Silicon Valley meets government bureaucracy in a contentious push to modernize the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—and not everyone is on board.
Startups Enter the VA: An Unconventional Strategy
A group of tech insiders linked to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been quietly embedded within the VA, sparking internal unrest and serious policy questions. Among them is Sahil Lavingia, a startup founder and former early Pinterest employee, who has reportedly acquired privileged access to VA systems and GitHub repositories in an effort to modernize the agency’s digital infrastructure.
AI at the Helm: The OpenHands Experiment
Lavingia is promoting the use of an AI tool called OpenHands to generate code for federal systems. This move has alarmed VA employees, who cite security, compliance, and data sensitivity concerns. OpenHands, freely available on GitHub, is capable of running commands, writing code, and browsing the web—abilities that could raise red flags within a federal system managing sensitive information such as veterans’ Social Security numbers and medical records.
“This isn’t just about modernization,” said one VA tech worker. “It’s about whether these tools are secure and suitable for government use.” In fact, experts have warned that AI-written code often lacks transparency and can be harder to maintain, opening the door to bugs or even cyber vulnerabilities. This echoes broader concerns across industries, as AI cybersecurity risks continue to escalate.
Privileged Access and Zero Oversight?
According to internal sources, Lavingia holds a “zero account”—a designation that grants elevated system privileges. His status as an unpaid advisor hasn’t stopped him from initiating major changes, including altering code on VA.gov, pushing for the adoption of OpenHands, and suggesting that all development contracts rely on AI unless proven otherwise.
From Twitter to “X”: Small Tweaks, Big Implications
In one of his first visible actions, Lavingia proposed changing the VA’s website footer to replace the word “Twitter” with “X,” aligning with Musk’s rebranding of the platform. However, compliance issues arose. The letter “X” alone didn’t meet Section 508 accessibility requirements, sparking an internal debate about usability for disabled veterans. Despite concerns, the site now lists just “X.”
Disrupting the Content Workflow
Lavingia also advocated for removing Drupal—the VA’s content management system (CMS)—entirely, suggesting instead that all content be embedded directly into the site’s code. This would significantly complicate efforts for non-technical staff across hundreds of VA facilities who regularly update local information and services. After this suggestion surfaced, the VA reportedly didn’t renew a key contract supporting CMS operations, potentially jeopardizing the functionality of the VA’s facility locator tool.
Paper to Pixels: The Digitization Debate
Another controversial idea floated by Lavingia is to eliminate paper forms altogether. While digitization is a worthwhile goal, VA staff note that only 10% of the 400+ veteran-facing forms are currently digitized. Many elderly veterans rely on paper due to accessibility or digital literacy challenges. “My skin is crawling thinking about the nonchalantness of this guy,” said one VA worker.
Security, Ethics, and a Culture of Fear
Employees have expressed growing concerns about the security implications of DOGE’s push. Meeting protocols have been upended, with Lavingia advocating for automatic recordings of internal calls—an unusual practice for a federal agency. Meanwhile, some fear that his suggestions are being treated as mandates due to his backing by Musk and DOGE.
Questions have also surfaced about Lavingia’s continued work on his personal project, Flexile (also branded as “Antiwork”), while serving in an advisory role at the VA. Though federal employees may engage in outside work, it must not conflict with government duties—a line that some worry he’s crossing.
More Than Just Tech: A Systemic Shakeup
DOGE’s involvement at the VA extends beyond Lavingia. Other operatives include ex-startup founders, private equity associates, and executives from outside the healthcare or government sectors. Their lack of experience with the VA’s scale—serving over 10 million veterans and their families—has triggered anxiety among staff and lawmakers alike.
Representative Gerald Connolly has voiced strong opposition, warning that the VA is being handed over to individuals “who do not know the first thing about what it means to serve your country.”
What’s Next for the VA?
While technological upgrades are inevitable, the speed and style of DOGE’s overhaul at the VA has sparked a contentious debate about modernization versus recklessness. As AI tools become more powerful, their use in sensitive systems like healthcare and federal benefits will require careful consideration—not just bold ambition.
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