Alt US Digital Service
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altusds.altgov.info
Alt US Digital Service
@altusds.altgov.info
19K followers 230 following 650 posts
The official resistance team of the U.S. Digital Service. We are the Builders. #AltGov

Send your stories: submissions@wethebuilders.org

https://www.wethebuilders.org/
https://givebutter.com/WTB
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altusds.altgov.info
Real design in government should prioritize serving people, not flashy slogans and website animations. Check out our latest article about the Executive Order on federal design ⤵️

www.wethebuilders.org/posts/americ...
September 10, 2025 at 2:43 AM
altusds.altgov.info
🛠 We the Builders need some rest.
Read more: bit.ly/45hINsI
August 2, 2025 at 12:25 AM
altusds.altgov.info
What the FORK?! 🍴
Federal workers were blindsided by a late-night message that upended their jobs, their unions, and their sleep. It was panic-inducing, and it was by design.

Read the latest installment of "Tired, But Still Here" open.substack.com/pub/altusds/...
Black-and-white photo of construction workers lying down on a steel beam high above New York City, echoing the famous “Lunch atop a Skyscraper” image. Over the photo, large neon-yellow text reads “TIRED.” A black-and-pink bar across the middle says “But Still Here: a Federal Worker’s Story.” In the bottom right corner, small text reads “Installment 04.”
July 31, 2025 at 4:45 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Remembering the struggle, honoring the victory, and celebrating the inimitable Ms. Opal Lee.

Out of adversity came unity, but the work is not done. We recommend watching Ava Duvernay’s documentary “13th” on Netflix to learn more about how racial inequity is still written into US law.

#Juneteenth
June 19, 2025 at 1:14 PM
altusds.altgov.info
Not all heroes carry signs.
Some organize, some heal, some hold space.
You don’t have to march to matter.

Read our latest newsletter on how protest movements. Credit and special thanks to @deepaiyer.bsky.social and @hankgreen.bsky.social.

🛠️ bit.ly/More-Than-Ma...
A graphic titled “Built to Serve” features the headline: "More Than Marching: The Roles That Move Us Forward." Below it reads: "Not everyone can protest, but that doesn’t make your work any less vital. Movements need disruptors and healers, visionaries and caregivers. Wherever you are tomorrow, you're part of something bigger." The footer says "Issue 24 – June 13, 2025." The background features a soft gradient of blue, yellow, and white, and the top left shows the We the Builders logo of crossed tools and a star.
June 14, 2025 at 3:25 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Questions we've gotten for years:

❓Why is government so slow?
❓Why did it take years to build something and it still doesn't work right?

Here's the truth: It's not the people, it's the arcane process. In part one of this two part series, we explain how federal procurement works.

bit.ly/wtb_fedpro
A stylized graphic shows a large warehouse connected to a semi-truck and surrounded by stacks of cardboard boxes, pallets, and automated carts on conveyor-like paths. The scene visually represents a complex supply chain or logistics system. At the bottom, bold text reads, “WTF is Federal Procurement?” with the We The Builders logo in the corner.
June 11, 2025 at 1:36 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Marines on our streets. The governor threatened with arrest.

This moment echoes the darkest chapters of history - abroad, AND here at home. This is what a manufactured crisis looks like.

Our latest newsletter breaks it all down: bit.ly/WTB_NoKings

#WeTheBuilders #StandUpNotBack #CivicDefense
A graphic titled "BUILT TO SERVE" features a bold headline: "No Kings in America: Why What’s Happening in California Demands Our Attention." The subtitle reads: "Here’s what we’re watching, and how history shows this playbook isn’t new." The background has a smooth blue gradient and a circular We the Builders logo in the top left corner showing a wrench and spoon crossed with a star above. At the bottom, it says "Issue 22 – June 9, 2025."
June 10, 2025 at 2:50 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Former US Digital Service engineer Elizabeth Schweinsburg is one of the great ones. Always willing to help with security issues, a great interviewer, and an absolute powerhouse for security in government. This award is well-deserved!

niccs.cisa.gov/resources/sf...
Portrait of Elizabeth Schweinsberg, smiling and wearing a white floral blouse, with a short biography below. The bio reads as follows: "Elizabeth Schweinsberg is a Senior Technical Advisor at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services specializing in Zero Trust Architecture. Before that, she spent 9 years in corporate threat detection and incident response with Facebook and Google. She works to keep the internal networks safe from malware, hackers, and the internet. Ms. Schweinsberg has been in the computer industry for over two decades and in digital forensics since 2005 in both the Government and private sector. She has a Masters of Information Security from Carnegie Mellon University where she participated in Scholarship for Service. When not behind the computer, Ms. Schweinsberg can often be found behind a book or sewing machine.
June 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM
altusds.altgov.info
🚨 All 22 Democratic Governors (@demgovs.org) have issued a joint statement about the CA National Guard being federalized and deployed to LA.

Here’s an article from @apnews.com that explains when deployments like this are legal and when they’re an abuse of power:

🔗 apnews.com/article/insu...
Statement from Democratic Governors on Donald Trump's Use of California's National Guard DGA Chair Governor Laura Kelly, DGA Vice Chair Governor Andy Beshear, Governor Tony Evers, Governor Bob Ferguson, Governor Josh Green, Governor Maura Healey, Governor Katie Hobbs, Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Tina Kotek, Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor Dan McKee, Governor Matt Meyer, Governor Janet Mills, Governor Wes Moore, Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Jared Polis, Governor JB Pritzker, Governor Josh Shapiro, Governor Josh Stein, Governor Tim Walz, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement: "President Trump's move to deploy California's National Guard is an alarming abuse of power. Governors are the Commanders in Chief of their National Guard and the federal government activating them in their own borders without consulting or working with a state's governor is ineffective and dangerous. "Further, threatening to send the U.S. Marines into American neighborhoods undermines the mission of our service members, erodes public trust, and shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement. "It's important we respect the executive authority of our country's governors to manage their National Guards - and we stand with Governor Newsom who has made it clear that violence is unacceptable and that local authorities should be able to do their jobs without the chaos of this federal interference and intimidation."
June 8, 2025 at 11:46 PM
altusds.altgov.info
This isn't just billionaire beef. It’s a sign of deeper narrative shifts in how we define freedom, innovation, and leadership.

When the usual voices fracture, new ones rise. That’s when misinformation strikes hardest.

Read the latest from We the Builders 👇

🔗 bit.ly/43RdAvK
A square graphic with a blue gradient background and white center panel. At the top left is the "We the Builders" crossed wrench and pencil logo inside a white circle. Bold gold text at the top reads “BUILT TO SERVE.” Below that, in bold blue lettering: “When Power Shifts: What the Musk–Trump Feud Really Signals.” Beneath the headline is smaller blue italic text: “It’s not about celebrity drama. It’s about what fills the vacuum when powerful alliances fracture—and why public servants should be paying close attention.” At the bottom center, light blue text reads: “ISSUE 21 · JUNE 6, 2025.”
June 7, 2025 at 3:42 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Are we still living in a democracy, or just living in its shadow?

We're exploring how authoritarian power creeps in quietly - through fear, control, and legal loopholes.

From Ernst Fraenkel’s “Dual State” to growing red flags in the US government, this is a must-read.

Check it out: bit.ly/4jGKzZB
A black-and-white image of the U.S. Capitol building partially obscured by a tall security fence. Three uniformed figures stand behind the fence, facing the camera. Bold yellow text on the left reads: "ARE WE LIVING IN A POLICE STATE?" The We The Builders logo appears in the lower-left corner. The overall tone is stark and serious.
June 6, 2025 at 3:51 AM
altusds.altgov.info
What happens when the people who keep government running are pushed to the edge? Find out in the first installment of our new storytellers series from inside the system:

⭐ Tired But Still Here: A Federal Worker's Story ⭐

Check it out: bit.ly/4jBlnn5

#WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe #AltGov
A digital graphic featuring a classical painting of a woman in a white dress asleep under a tree, with scattered papers near her hand. Large neon yellow text reads “TIRED” across the top, with a black and pink banner across the middle that says “But Still Here: a Federal Worker’s Story.” In the bottom corner, it says “Installment 01.” The image evokes exhaustion, reflection, and quiet resistance.
June 5, 2025 at 4:21 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Completely off topic! Help identify this mystery object that was found on a driveway in MD.

It appears natural, feels and is hard like wood, but it doesn't make sense to any piece of wood I've handled.
June 3, 2025 at 1:43 AM
altusds.altgov.info
We stand with the LGBTQ+ community this month and every month. Pride is about joy, visibility, justice, and action.

We believe a better government means one that protects, uplifts, and celebrates everyone, exactly as they are. That’s the future we’re committed to building, together. Happy Pride! 🏳️‍🌈
A square graphic with a white background and rounded rainbow-colored horizontal stripes stacked across the center. Over the stripes, in playful handwritten-style black text, it says "happy pride!" The image has a thin rainbow border and a small logo in the bottom left that reads “We the Builders” with a crossed wrench and screwdriver. The design is bright, cheerful, and celebratory.
June 2, 2025 at 1:10 AM
altusds.altgov.info
So now you need a loyalty oath to work for the federal government? Cute.

We’ve served the public, not a party. But a new federal hiring plan suggests that might not be enough anymore. Check out our latest newsletter for all the details: bit.ly/3Fv7OaY
Graphic header for the "Built to Serve" newsletter. The title reads: "Patriotism, but Make It Authoritarian" in bold blue text. Below it, a subtitle in italicized text says, "This isn’t a hiring plan. It’s a vibe check for autocracy." The top of the graphic features a small crossed wrench and screwdriver icon with stars, symbolizing rebuilding. Small text at the bottom reads "Issue 18 – May 30, 2025." The color scheme is blue, gold, and white.
May 31, 2025 at 1:36 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Three months. 41 posts. 16 newsletters. 20 timeline events. Thousands of readers. And we’re just getting started.
Here's what we've built—and where we're headed next: https://bit.ly/3SjAzKo

#WeTheBuilders #CivicTech #BuiltToServe #AltGov
May 25, 2025 at 9:46 AM
altusds.altgov.info
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” should terrify anyone who cares about checks and balances. From court-defying powers to political control over regulatory agencies, this isn’t a tax bill—it’s a playbook for authoritarianism. We broke it down: https://bit.ly/3SlWNvk

#WeTheBuilders #NoKings #OBBB #OBUB
A graphic titled "BUILT TO SERVE" with the headline: "One Big, Beautiful Step Into Authoritarianism." The subtitle reads: "What’s buried in the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'? A quiet restructuring of democracy—and a dangerous consolidation of power." The issue is dated May 23, 2025. The We the Builders logo, featuring a wrench and paintbrush crossed with a star above them, appears in the upper left corner. The background has a blue gradient.
May 24, 2025 at 2:59 AM
altusds.altgov.info
“The lesson of 1933 is you get out sooner rather than later.” Snyder is leaving. We’re staying. And resisting.
🧱 Read more: https://bit.ly/4mmDWOs

#WeTheBuilders #OnTyranny
A graphic titled "Built to Serve" with the headline: "Staying Put, Standing Firm." The subtitle reads: "When the experts flee, the rest of us build refuge and resistance. Here’s what we’re doing, and why we need your help." Issue 16 – May 19, 2025. In the upper left is a logo featuring a wrench and spoon crossed with a star above, representing We the Builders. The color palette includes gold, blue, and white.
May 20, 2025 at 3:15 AM
altusds.altgov.info
While Trump flies around on a foreign government’s jet and plans a $700 million parade, everyday Americans are losing healthcare and public workers are being laid off.

📫 Check out our latest newsletter: https://bit.ly/4j6CVqQ

#WeTheBuilders #RebuildGovernment
A digital newsletter graphic from "We the Builders" titled “Built to Serve.” The main headline reads “The Grift, the Parade, and the Plane.” Below it, the subtitle says, “While Trump chases vanity projects, public programs are on the chopping block. We're staying focused on what really matters, and building what comes next.” The issue is dated May 16, 2025. The image features the We the Builders logo — a crossed wrench and spoon with a star — in the top left corner, with a blue and white gradient background.
May 17, 2025 at 2:31 AM
altusds.altgov.info
RFK Jr: “My vaccine opinions are irrelevant.”
Also RFK Jr: Implements policies that delay life-saving vaccines.
When misinformation leads health policy, kids die.

Read more 👉 https://bit.ly/4jSQN9n
A graphic featuring a photo of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking into a microphone, wearing a gray pinstripe suit and blue tie. The image includes a quote in bold white text: “I don’t think people should be taking medical advice from me.” Beneath the quote, it says: “HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., May 14, 2025.” The bottom left corner displays the We the Builders logo. The graphic is framed by a gold border on a dark background.
May 15, 2025 at 1:49 AM
altusds.altgov.info
We’re showing up, speaking out, and calling bullshit on the destruction of our public institutions. Tonight's Built to Serve newsletter is about leadership, rebuilding, and doing the work.

📖 Read it here: https://bit.ly/3Swx8Qz
A digital newsletter graphic with a clean, modern design. At the top, a wrench and spoon icon with a star represents the We the Builders logo. Bold navy text reads: “BUILT TO SERVE.” Below, larger text says: “We’re Not Just Watching, We’re Leading.” A smaller subheading reads: “This week, We the Builders is showing up and speaking out. Join us in building what comes next.” The footer notes: “ISSUE 13 – MAY 12, 2025.” The background fades from light blue at the top to warm yellow at the bottom.
May 13, 2025 at 2:05 AM
altusds.altgov.info
DOGE is turning into that one annoying co-worker who takes credit for a project that YOU completed.They're bragging about fixing paper-based retirement systems, but guess what? Most of the progress came from Biden-era work.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4jQzaas
An illustration in retro propaganda style featuring a smiling man in a suit raising his fist and giving a thumbs-up with one hand, while a golden trophy sits in front of him on a table. Large bold text reads: “FALSE VICTORIES AND OVERSTATED CREDIT.” At the bottom right is the “We The Builders” logo. Contact info is listed: media@wethebuilders.org and submissions@wethebuilders.org.
May 11, 2025 at 1:54 AM
altusds.altgov.info
ICYMI: "DOGE is an insider threat. Name what's happening then act on it. That's how you de-weaponize it." Kate and Milo recently spoke with about what DOGE *really* is.

https://bit.ly/4jPHffi
May 10, 2025 at 3:58 PM
altusds.altgov.info
The RNC says they’re interviewing the “smartest people” in every state to join DOGE, so we took the quiz. Spoiler: it’s not going well.

🧵 Read the full breakdown and laugh (so you don’t cry): https://bit.ly/3SubBbb

#WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe #FederalGov #DOGE
A digital newsletter header for "Built to Serve." The title reads “Thanks for the Interview, I Guess?” with a subtitle underneath: “The RNC asked if we support the destruction of public institutions. We took the quiz. You can guess how it went.” At the top left is the We the Builders logo—crossed wrench and spoon with stars. The issue date is noted at the bottom: “Issue 12 – May 9, 2025.” The design uses blue and gold on a white background with a gradient border.
May 10, 2025 at 1:26 AM
altusds.altgov.info
Elon Musk is out, but DOGE is still inside the federal government. We’re already planning how to rebuild.

Read more in today’s Built to Serve newsletter
🛠️ https://bit.ly/4d8DK1c

#WeTheBuilders #BuiltToServe #DOGE
A square graphic with a white background and a blue-to-gold gradient border. At the top left is the We the Builders logo: a crossed wrench and spoon with stars and light rays behind them. Centered in bold navy text: “BUILT TO SERVE.” Below, in large font: “When the Wrecking Ball Leaves.” Subheading reads: “Musk may be gone, but the damage is done. Rebuilding government will take all of us.” At the bottom, in small text: “Issue 11 – May 7, 2025.”
May 8, 2025 at 12:05 AM