Mark Cuban offers support to laid-off US government tech workers
What's the story
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban has joined the conversation surrounding a recent reshuffle of the US government's tech department, extending his support to the recently dismissed federal employees. The layoffs affected roughly 70 individuals. In his surprise offer posted on Bluesky, Cuban urged these displaced engineers and designers to turn this upheaval into an opportunity for themselves. He proposed they could think about starting a consulting firm together and he would be happy to invest.
Investment proposal
Investment offer to tech unit employees
Cuban's message, which quickly gained traction, says, "If you worked for 18F and got fired, Group together to start a consulting company." "It's just a matter of time before DOGE needs you to fix the mess they inevitably created. They will have to hire your company as a contractor to fix it. But on your terms. I'm happy to invest and/or help," it adds.
Support offer
Role of the laid-off engineers
The 18F technology unit, which was recently disbanded by the government's General Services Administration (GSA), played a key role in helping other government bodies develop, purchase, and share tech products. Among its notable projects was Login.gov, a secure platform for public access to services at government agencies like Social Security and Department of Veterans Affairs.
Job cuts
Layoffs tied to Trump administration directive
Reportedly, the layoffs were tied to a Trump administration directive to reduce the federal workforce and cut costs, according to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This isn't the first time 18F has faced job cuts; Politico reported that two dozen more employees were let go in February when GSA cut probationary staffers.
Civic tech
Cuban's offer sparks discussion on future of civic tech
Cuban's offer has ignited an interesting debate on whether the same workers who were shown the door from government service could actually redefine the future of civic tech on their own terms. As DOGE continues to tear agencies apart, even Musk has admitted to some consequences of his team's breakneck speed. He shared an example where "one thing we accidentally canceled - very briefly - was Ebola prevention."