DOGE Affiliate Takes Control of Federal Identity Platform Login.gov

A key figure associated with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been appointed to lead a critical component of the United States’ digital infrastructure. Greg Hogan has taken over as the acting assistant commissioner of Technology Transformation Services (TTS), a division of the General Services Administration (GSA).

In this role, Hogan will oversee Login.gov, the centralized secure identity service used by millions to access various federal government programs and information.

The Shift in Leadership and Strategy

Hogan’s appointment follows a period of significant upheaval within the TTS. The agency previously underwent a massive restructuring under former leader Thomas Shedd, during which the unit reportedly lost 50 percent of its staff in early 2025.

Hogan’s mandate is ambitious. According to Gregory Barbaccia, the federal chief information officer, Hogan is tasked with:
– Expanding the user base of Login.gov.
– Enhancing the user experience.
– Transforming the service into a “world-class identity platform” that extends its influence beyond the federal government.

A Career Linked to DOGE Operations

Hogan’s transition into the federal government is deeply intertwined with the DOGE movement. He joined the government in January 2025 from Comma.ai, a self-automation startup, serving as the CIO at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

During his time at OPM, Hogan was a central figure in several controversial moves:
Mass Communication Infrastructure: He approved the privacy impact assessment for a new email server used by DOGE to communicate with the entire federal workforce.
Controversial Directives: This server was used to distribute the “Fork in the Road” message, which encouraged federal employees to opt for “deferred resignation.”
AI Surveillance: The server facilitated a system where employees had to report their weekly activities, which DOGE subsequently analyzed using artificial intelligence.

Note: These actions have led to legal challenges, with federal workers alleging that the privacy impact assessment for the new server was not published in compliance with the law.

The Future of Login.gov: Efficiency or Surveillance?

The stakes for Login.gov are rising as the platform evolves. A roadmap released in late 2025 outlines plans to integrate mobile driver’s licenses and use passports for identity verification. This expansion aligns with the Trump administration’s broader focus on combating fraud.

However, the move toward a more comprehensive digital ID has sparked debate among federal employees regarding the scope of the platform:

The Vision for a Centralized ID

There are indications that the administration intends to expand Login.gov into a near-comprehensive national ID. This would potentially consolidate:
– Standard identification (name, etc.)
– Income information
– Citizenship status
– Information regarding dependents

Divergent Perspectives

Internal reactions from TTS employees reflect a deep divide in how this transition is perceived:

“This would be great if implemented right. With a DOGE guy in charge… this will look more like a central repository for surveillance.” — TTS Employee (Anonymous)

“Hogan puts a lot of emphasis on listening to the career feds who work for him… he has the right long-term attitude.” — TTS Employee (Anonymous)

The Legacy of DOGE

While the formal Department of Government Efficiency dissolved in June 2025 following Elon Musk’s departure, its influence remains embedded in the federal bureaucracy. Many DOGE operatives continue to hold influential positions in departments such as State, Defense, and Social Security, or have moved into the private sector as government contractors.

The appointment of Greg Hogan signals a continued effort to reshape federal digital services through the lens of the DOGE movement, balancing the promise of streamlined efficiency against growing concerns over data centralization and privacy.

попередня статтяTech, Security, and Innovation: This Week’s Essential Briefing