The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), backed by Elon Musk, has expanded the deployment of its custom AI-powered chatbot, GSAi, to approximately 1,500 government workers at the General Services Administration. The move signals a push for AI-driven efficiencies amid widespread layoffs, raising concerns over the use of automation to justify job cuts.Following a February pilot program that granted access to about 150 GSA employees, the department has rapidly expanded the chatbots availability, reported Wired. Quoting sources, Wired reported that while the AI tool has been in development for months, DOGE has significantly accelerated its deployment timeline and been fine-tuned specifically for government use.The GSAi system operates through a ChatGPT-like interface and leverages multiple AI models, including Anthropics Claude Haiku 3.5, Claude Sonnet 3.5 v2, and Metas LLaMa 3.2, selecting different models based on the specific task requirements, the report added. Despite its capabilities, initial feedback suggests it offers generic and guessable answers and functions about as good as an intern.GSAi: A leaner, tech-driven government?An internal memo reviewed by Wired instructs employees to use GSAi for tasks such as drafting emails, creating talking points, summarizing documents, and writing basic code. However, strict guidelines prohibit entering non-public government information, personal data, or confidential work products, limiting its scope for more sensitive tasks.While its current functions are relatively basic, DOGE aims to expand GSAis role in federal operations. Future applications could include contract analysis, procurement data management, and other government workflow optimizations. This aligns with DOGEs broader vision of leveraging AI to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.AI-driven automation like GSAi can be a viable solution for improving government efficiency, provided it is implemented with careful consideration of the need for human oversight in critical functions, said Charlie Dai, VP, principal analyst at Forrester. By adopting a balanced and thoughtful approach, governments can harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding the essential human elements that ensure accountability, ethics, and public trust.Workforce reduction: AI as justification?DOGEs layoffs have been extensive. Last month, over 1,000 GSA employees were abruptly dismissed, and the agency has plans to reduce its Public Building Service staff by 63%. Additionally, DOGE has shuttered GSAs technology consulting unit, 18F, which housed nearly 100 tech specialists focused on digital modernization.Critics argue that deploying AI tools like GSAi serves to rationalize the mass firings, presenting AI as a means to maintain efficiency with a reduced workforce. Musk and co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy have previously advocated for a streamlined government, stating in a Wall Street Journal op-ed that DOGE aims to build a lean team of legal and technology experts.Several former employees of Musks various technology companies have reportedly joined DOGE, further fueling speculation that the agency is shifting towards a more Silicon Valley-style operational model, prioritizing automation over human expertise.However, DOGEs rapid rollout of AI raises concerns compared to other government-led digital transformation efforts worldwide. DOGEs approach is characterized by its rapid deployment, cost-cutting focus, and ambitious goals, Dai added. However, it lacks the careful planning, ethical considerations, and public trust-building seen in other global efforts.He cautioned that without a more balanced approach combining innovation with accountability, the agency risks repeating past mistakes and undermining the efficiency it seeks to achieve.DOGEs controversial legacyEstablished through an executive order, DOGE replaces the US Digital Service (USDS) and has been tasked with modernizing federal technology. However, former USDS employees have criticized DOGEs direction, accusing Musk and his allies of undermining the agencys original mission and politicizing its operations.USDS was originally a nonpartisan initiative that recruited top talent from tech giants like Amazon and Google for short-term government service. The agency played a crucial role in improving services at the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, and other federal institutions.While DOGE insists on increasing government efficiency through technology, its aggressive cost-cutting measures and reliance on AI have fueled concerns over job security and the effectiveness of AI-driven governance. Whether GSAi proves to be a breakthrough in public sector technology or a cover for workforce reductions remains to be seen. The implications of DOGEs strategy could redefine how AI is integrated into government operations, setting a precedent for automation-led reforms in the public sector.