Airbnb Co-Founder Joins Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency
Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb, has been appointed to President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with streamlining the federal retirement process. The current system, criticized for its slow, paper-based approach, is set to undergo significant changes under Gebbia’s guidance.
In a recent statement, Gebbia expressed enthusiasm about bringing his designer and start-up perspective to government operations. “Improving the user experience of government services is crucial,” he stated, drawing parallels between his new role and his previous work in the private sector.
The appointment highlights a growing trend of tech entrepreneurs entering government roles. Gebbia’s relationship with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who has also voiced concerns about bureaucratic inefficiencies, adds another layer of interest to this development.
The current retirement process faces numerous challenges. A converted mine in Pennsylvania houses 400 million printed documents, while 26,000 filing cabinets are used for processing, underscoring the system’s outdated methods.
However, recent progress has been made. The US Office of Personnel Management recently announced its first fully digital retirement application processing, completed in just two days – a stark improvement from the usual weeks-long timeline.
Gebbia’s exact role within DOGE remains unclear, including whether it is a paid position. He continues to serve as a significant shareholder and board member of Airbnb, and joined Tesla’s board of directors in 2022.
The appointment has sparked mixed reactions. Some Airbnb users and hosts have threatened to boycott the platform, calling for the company to distance itself from Gebbia. Critics point to his support for Trump, despite previous backing of Democratic causes, and his apparent embrace of the MAGA ethos despite earlier criticism of Trump’s family separation policy.
As this story develops, the impact of Gebbia’s appointment on both government efficiency and his business interests remains to be seen.
