Overview

• The Government Accountability Office (GAO) formally declined a request from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to assign staff to its agency, citing its status as part of the legislative branch.
• GAO leadership reaffirmed its independence in a mass email to employees, stating it is not subject to executive orders and emphasizing its role as a nonpartisan watchdog for Congress.
• GAO has notified relevant congressional committees about DOGE’s attempt and pledged to keep them informed of any further developments.
• Sen. Patty Murray and the GAO’s union, IFPTE Local 1921, strongly defended the agency’s autonomy, with Murray urging DOGE and Elon Musk to back off.
• GAO continues its audit of DOGE, which began in March at the request of Democratic lawmakers, intensifying scrutiny of the executive branch initiative.