Fourteen months ago, WIRED introduced us to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a group of young, inexperienced technologists handpicked by Elon Musk. These operatives were given carte blanche to dismantle government agencies with little regard for consequences—a scenario that has resulted in lasting damage, from mass firings to increased wait times on Social Security lines.

Yet, despite their chaotic beginnings and failure to meet many goals, DOGE’s members have now ascended to positions of power. Some remain entrenched in the administration, while others have quietly transitioned to the private sector, often returning to companies with ties to Musk or other tech giants.

The case of Edward 'Big Balls' Coristine stands out: an early member who participated in shutting down USAID and now serves as engineering lead at the National Design Studio. Coristine’s involvement in targeting ‘fraud’ initiatives and alleged help with viral videos highlights his ongoing influence, despite no official comment from him.

Gavin Kliger, a senior adviser to OPM early on, was appointed chief data officer for the Department of Defense. His involvement in negotiations with Anthropic reveals that DOGE’s legacy extends beyond mere disruption; it now shapes military tech policies and priorities.

Jeremy Lewin, formerly an investment banker, played a key role in effectively shuttering USAID during his time at DOGE. His transition back to the private sector underscores how even the most controversial members of this group have found new roles within government or industry.