Fired Federal Workers Reflect on Elon Musk's DOGE Fallout

Layoffs at government agencies spark concerns about the impact of cryptocurrency on public sector jobs.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:36am

A number of federal government employees have been let go in recent months as a result of budget cuts and shifting priorities under the new presidential administration. Many of these workers attribute their job losses to the growing influence of cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin, which was heavily promoted by billionaire Elon Musk.

Why it matters

The rise of cryptocurrencies and their adoption by high-profile figures has had ripple effects across the economy, including in the public sector. These layoffs highlight the potential disruption that emerging technologies can have on traditional government jobs and services.

The details

Several former federal workers, who requested anonymity, said their positions were eliminated or their agencies saw significant budget reductions after the administration embraced Musk's advocacy for Dogecoin and other digital assets. This led to a shift in funding priorities away from some government programs and departments.

  • In recent months, a number of federal government employees have been let go.
  • The layoffs coincided with the new presidential administration's increased focus on cryptocurrencies.

The players

Elon Musk

A billionaire entrepreneur who has been a vocal proponent of Dogecoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Former Federal Workers

Government employees who have lost their jobs due to budget cuts and shifting priorities related to the rise of cryptocurrencies.

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What they’re saying

“It's frustrating to see taxpayer money being diverted away from important government services and programs in order to chase after the latest crypto fad.”

— Former Federal Worker

“We're seeing the real-world consequences of crypto hype and the influence of a few wealthy individuals. It's the regular people who end up paying the price.”

— Former Federal Worker

What’s next

As the government continues to navigate the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies, there are concerns that more public sector jobs could be impacted. Policymakers will likely face pressure to address the effects of crypto adoption on government operations and employment.

The takeaway

The layoffs of federal workers due to the rise of cryptocurrencies highlight the disruptive potential of emerging technologies on traditional institutions and the need for policymakers to carefully consider the broader societal impacts of crypto adoption.