Former leaders of the United States Digital Service (USDS) are launching a major initiative, “Tech Viaduct,” to overhaul how the U.S. government delivers services to citizens. This effort is driven by a surprising realization: Donald Trump’s chaotic dismantling of federal tech structures—under the rebranded DOGE program—revealed how easily decades of bureaucratic inertia could be shattered. While horrified by the methods, reformers recognize the potential for rapid change if harnessed for positive ends.
The Problem with Government Tech
For years, government technology has been plagued by inefficiency, outdated systems, and a paralyzing inability to adapt quickly. The USDS, originally founded under Barack Obama, attempted to fix this, but progress was slow. Trump’s DOGE project, despite its recklessness, demonstrated that decisive action—even destructive action—can bypass traditional roadblocks. This paradox—that destruction can reveal opportunities for rebuilding—is the core impetus behind Tech Viaduct. The project’s leaders admit Democrats have been too cautious in the past, failing to make systemic changes.
The Viaduct Plan: A Blueprint for 2029
Tech Viaduct aims to create a comprehensive plan for a government tech reboot, with recommendations ready by spring. The goal is to have the plan adopted by a Democratic administration in 2029. The initiative is backed by key figures including former Obama chief of staff Denis McDonough, Biden’s deputy CTO Alexander Macgillivray, and most notably, Mikey Dickerson—the original leader of USDS.
The plan has two main objectives:
- Remake Government Services: Streamline procurement, create a merit-based hiring process, and ensure proper oversight. The goal is to have signature-ready executive orders and legislation prepared in advance.
- Reverse DOGE’s Damage: Triage the chaos left by Trump’s administration, particularly the privacy violations resulting from de-siloing personal data. This will be a years-long effort, as undoing the damage is harder than causing it.
Funding and Political Reality
Searchlight Institute, a liberal think tank, is providing $1 million in funding for the project. However, Tech Viaduct’s success hinges entirely on a Democratic victory in 2028. Even then, the new president must fully commit to the plan. The reformers acknowledge that Republicans are far more ruthless in pursuing their agendas, while Democrats often prioritize consensus over action. The initiative’s leaders are bracing for the possibility of a failed election or an uncooperative administration.
A Contingency Plan for Collapse
Mikey Dickerson, now semi-retired in the Arizona desert, is candid about the risks. He admits the U.S. might not have a fair election in 2029, and even if it does, the winner might not be rational. If the worst happens, he and other reformers are prepared to retreat and rebuild independently. The project is a gamble, but one born from the realization that government reform requires both vision and a willingness to act decisively—even if that means preparing for failure.
The Tech Viaduct initiative represents a desperate attempt to salvage a broken system. Whether it succeeds depends on political fortune, but the underlying message is clear: the time for incremental change is over. The future of government tech hinges on whether leaders will embrace bold action, even if it means learning from the tactics of their adversaries.
