The recent layoffs affecting the United States Digital Service (USDS) impacted various teams, including product management, design, and procurement. Sources, including Kamens, informed WIRED that he was the only member of the USDS engineering team to be terminated. There is speculation among Kamens and others that his dismissal occurred because he had publicly criticized DOGE in the weeks leading up to the USDS reductions. DOGE has not responded to requests for comment regarding Kamens’ removal.
Kamens emphasized the critical nature of his projects at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which focused on safeguarding veterans’ sensitive personal data. These efforts aimed to ensure data was stored securely and access was restricted to prevent unauthorized entry and internal threats. Effective data management and access control are deemed essential security priorities for any organization.
Kamens expressed his primary concern was the potential misplacement of personal health and private information, such as PHI and PII. He noted that although access control was adequate, it lacked the necessary precision to govern data access effectively. He warned that the projects he initiated to address these issues are now at risk of being halted.
The broader consequences of the personnel reductions at the VA, in conjunction with the USDS layoffs affecting the veterans’ agency, are becoming more apparent. The cutbacks may not only derail plans to enhance digital security but also compromise the effectiveness and reliability of the existing digital protection measures.
Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington and vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, hosted a virtual press conference with former federal employees from her state who were recently laid off. Among them was Raphael Garcia, a disabled Army veteran and former management analyst for the VA. During the event, Garcia described his role in coordinating IT system access and managing compliance and operational controls while engaging with stakeholders nationwide. He noted that his termination poses personal challenges and serves as a stark indication that the federal government is dismantling key support systems for veterans and other vulnerable communities.
Kamens, who transitioned from a career in the private sector to government work, conveyed his appreciation for his role at USDS, highlighting the fulfillment he found in serving veterans. He recounted an interview with DOGE representatives shortly after the inauguration, where he was questioned about his government work compared to potential private sector earnings. Kamens responded, emphasizing his commitment to service over financial gain, which he found notable in light of the question posed.
