On Saturday, billionaire investor Mark Cuban entered the most recent government technology upheaval by unexpectedly offering assistance to recently laid-off federal employees on the social media platform Bluesky.
His message, which spread swiftly, exhorted the engineers and designers who had been uprooted to take advantage of the disruption.
Cuban wrote, “If you were fired from 18F, band together to launch a consulting business.” “DOGE will eventually require you to clean up the damage they unavoidably caused. To fix it, they will need to hire your business as a contractor. but according to your terms. I would be pleased to assist and/or invest.
Following the General Services Administration’s (GSA) sudden dismantling of its 18F technology unit, which assists other government agencies in developing, purchasing, and disseminating technology, Cuban made the offer. About 70 people were impacted by the layoffs, according to Politico, who were informed of the news at around 1 a.m. Eastern time on Saturday. The team was said to have developed, among other things, Login.gov, a private and secure method for the public to access services at government institutions, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and Social Security.
The early-morning layoffs are related to a directive from the Trump administration to reduce federal spending and staff at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which is led by Elon Musk. The layoffs weren’t the first for 18F; Politico reports that two dozen additional 18F workers were let go in February when GSA cut probationary staffers.
Late Friday, DOGE sent emails to those affected in the early hours of Saturday morning with the question, “What did you do last week? Section II.
Politico claims that the emails, which asked staff members to submit a list of their weekly achievements by Monday, were extensively disseminated throughout several departments, including the NIH, the State Department, and the IRS.
Cuban’s suggestion raises an interesting question in the wake of these recent layoffs: may the very employees who were fired from government contribute to reshaping civic IT on their own terms? Even Musk has acknowledged the consequences of his team’s rapid agency dismantling as DOGE proceeds.
“For example, with USAID, one of the things we accidentally canceled — very briefly — was Ebola prevention,” Musk said on Wednesday. (Since then, public health specialists have stated that the government’s assistance has not entirely returned.)
The current concern is whether a certain proportion of the government’s increasing number of displaced former employees will take advantage of the situation and unite to create businesses that may eventually sell their knowledge back to the government. If this is the case, the administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the public workforce would take a dramatic turn.
At least one such unit might end up inside a private corporation that the government is forced to depend on if Cuban gets his way. The startup’s name was even suggested by another Bluesky user, who told Cuban to “name the new company 18FU.”
Mark Cuban Steps Up to Fund Government Tech Unit Axed in the Middle of the Night
In a surprising turn of events, billionaire entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star Mark Cuban has offered to fund a government tech unit that was abruptly disbanded during a late-night budget cut. The move has sparked widespread discussion about the role of private sector involvement in public initiatives and the importance of maintaining critical technological infrastructure.
The Midnight Cut: What Happened?
The tech unit in question was a specialized government team responsible for developing and maintaining essential digital tools and platforms used by various federal agencies. Its work ranged from cybersecurity enhancements to streamlining public services through innovative software solutions. However, in a controversial decision, the unit was defunded and dissolved overnight as part of a broader budget reduction plan.
The sudden dissolution left many projects unfinished and raised concerns about the potential impact on government operations. Critics argued that cutting such a vital unit could compromise national security, hinder public service delivery, and set back technological progress in the public sector.
Mark Cuban’s Bold Offer
In response to the news, Mark Cuban took to social media to express his dismay and offer a solution. Known for his outspoken nature and philanthropic efforts, Cuban announced that he would personally fund the unit to ensure its continuity.
“This is not just about money,” Cuban stated. “It’s about recognizing the importance of technology in modern governance. Cutting a tech unit in the middle of the night is shortsighted and dangerous. If the government won’t step up, I will.”
Cuban’s offer includes not only financial support but also access to his network of tech experts and resources to help the unit operate more efficiently. His proposal has been met with both praise and skepticism, as it raises questions about the growing influence of private individuals in public affairs.
Why This Matters
The defunding of the tech unit highlights a broader issue: the undervaluation of technology in government operations. In an era where digital transformation is critical to national security, economic stability, and public welfare, cutting such initiatives can have far-reaching consequences.
Mark Cuban’s intervention underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing gaps left by government decisions. While his offer is generous, it also serves as a wake-up call for policymakers to prioritize long-term investments in technology and innovation.
The Bigger Picture
This incident is not just about one tech unit or one billionaire’s offer. It’s a reflection of the challenges governments face in balancing budgets while maintaining essential services. It also raises important questions about the role of private individuals and corporations in filling those gaps.
While Cuban’s gesture is commendable, it also highlights the need for systemic change. Governments must recognize the critical role of technology and ensure that such units are adequately funded and protected from abrupt cuts. Relying on private funding, while helpful, is not a sustainable solution.
What’s Next?
As of now, the government has not officially responded to Cuban’s offer. However, the public reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with many calling for the unit to be reinstated with or without Cuban’s support.
This story serves as a reminder that technology is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s world. Whether through government funding or private intervention, the work of tech units like this one must continue to ensure a secure, efficient, and innovative future for all.
In the meantime, Mark Cuban’s bold move has reignited the conversation about the intersection of technology, governance, and philanthropy—a conversation that is long overdue.