Following Elon Musk’s departure from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in late spring 2025, several ex-DOGE members found new roles within the National Design Studio (NDS) at the Executive Office of the President. Led by Joe Gebbia, a former member of DOGE and now chief design officer of the US, NDS is tasked with redesigning government websites and services. However, new revelations show that at least two NDS members are actually employed by a recently formed nonprofit, the America by Design Foundation, run by James Burnham, a former DOGE member and current general counsel of SpaceXAI.
The America by Design Foundation’s funding and financial details remain unclear, raising questions about the true nature of NDS. Critics argue that NDS, like DOGE before it, may be skirting rules and regulations to bring favoured staff into government, potentially serving as an arm of the tech industry rather than a genuine government initiative. Professor Don Moynihan from the University of Michigan highlights the concerns, saying that the opacity around who employs and pays these individuals is troubling.
The White House announced the creation of NDS as part of the broader America by Design initiative in August 2025. Over the past year, NDS has launched several websites, including TrumpRx and RealFood.gov. Several DOGE operatives, including Edward “Big Balls” Coristine and Akash Bobba, have transitioned to NDS, while others entered government as special government employees. These employees often work part-time, avoiding full federal hiring processes.
Further details reveal that Amittai Groot and John Cafazza, members of NDS, are employed by the America by Design Foundation and detailed to the Office of Personnel Management. Their roles and projects within the government remain uncertain. Notably, the group recently launched America.gov, an AI-driven website aiming to consolidate government services. These developments underscore the complex relationship between the tech sector and government, with concerns over transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
