WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - After weeks of speculation, the White House has officially announced the identity of the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) acting administrator. On Tuesday, it was revealed that Amy Gleason, a former healthcare technology consultant, is stepping into the role.
The Trump administration had faced increasing pressure to disclose who was leading DOGE. This urgency was heightened by a recent court filing that indicated billionaire Elon Musk had no formal authority over the cost-cutting initiatives, despite President Donald Trump previously suggesting otherwise.
Musk's alleged involvement has become a focal point in ongoing lawsuits questioning the legality of DOGE's actions, including its access to sensitive government payment systems. The clarification of Gleason's role comes at a crucial time as these legal challenges unfold.
Gleason, who also served as an official at the U.S. Digital Service during the first Trump administration, has a track record of government service. Following Trump's inauguration on January 20, the Digital Service was rebranded as DOGE, and it began a significant downsizing of the federal workforce, involving thousands of job cuts.
A White House official noted that Gleason has been acting as a liaison with other agencies, although it is unclear whether she was recently appointed or has been in the role for some time. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she has served as a senior adviser since the previous month. Gleason has yet to respond to inquiries sent through the networking platform.
A former U.S. Digital Service staffer disclosed to Reuters that Gleason returned to the agency before Trump's inauguration to facilitate a smoother transition. According to the executive order establishing DOGE, the administrator is accountable to the White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles.
Gleason's professional history includes roles as an independent consultant and product officer at a healthcare venture capital firm, as well as at a rural healthcare organization.
In a court filing earlier this month, the White House described Musk as a White House employee and senior adviser to the president. The administration clarified that Musk serves as an unpaid special government employee, which designates his role as temporary.
Gleason's previous tenure with the U.S. Digital Service spanned from 2018 to 2021, providing her with extensive experience in government-related technology services.
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Reporting by Nandita Bose in Washington; Additional reporting by AJ Vicens in Detroit; Editing by Leslie Adler and Cynthia Osterman.
