Exploring Michael Lewis’s Insights into Civil Service

Michael Lewis, a well-known author, suggests that many Americans are unaware that federal civil servants take an oath of office. Despite having written an entire book about these workers, Lewis himself was initially unaware of this fact.

‘I, ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.’ – Civil Service Oath of Office, U.S. Code § 3331.

Lewis, author of ‘Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State’, has built a career on exploring data and assumptions, from the workings of Wall Street in ‘The Big Short’ to the dynamics of the NFL in ‘The Blind Side’. He challenges the stereotype of government workers being merely bureaucratic figures.

According to Lewis, many distrust the government without recognizing how they rely on it for various daily essentials, such as clean water and safe flying conditions. Lewis believes there are selfless, purpose-driven individuals in government whose motives differ from the prevailing focus on personal ambition in society.

Introducing DOGE

Lewis’s latest work profiles civil servants facing changes from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), introduced under President Trump and supported by billionaire Elon Musk. Musk had promised substantial savings by reducing government operations. However, he referred to some workers as ‘blockers,’ a term Lewis finds derogatory.

Kathleen Walters’ Story

The book highlights Kathleen Walters, who once held a senior role at the IRS. Walters faced challenges when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sought data on undocumented taxpayers. She questioned the legality of ICE’s requests, resisted for months, and ultimately resigned when unable to reconcile her responsibilities with the demands.

Despite stepping down, Walters held firm to her principles, even as the IRS later complied with ICE’s request. The Treasury Department’s Inspector General found the handling of this data did not meet safeguarding standards, and courts ruled privacy rights were compromised.

Walters’ decision was personally challenging, nearing her 20-year service mark, but she prioritized legal integrity, setting an example for her young daughter. Her story underscores the personal and professional conflicts some civil servants face.

The Debate on DOGE’s Effectiveness

The Government Accountability Office audited DOGE and discovered discrepancies in its reported savings. The Trump administration’s Office of Personnel Management, however, views it as a step towards reducing waste and improving efficiency.

For Lewis, the story unfolds beyond political or financial metrics. It is about recognizing the dedication of government workers serving the public’s interest. He encourages skeptics to engage with his book to better understand the individuals working behind the scenes.

For more insights, check out Michael Lewis’s ‘Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State’, available in multiple formats from leading book retailers.