Author Michael Lewis shares his perspective on the often-underappreciated role of civil servants in the federal government. Many Americans, including Lewis himself, may not realize that these government employees take an oath of office. The Civil Service Oath of Office under U.S. Code § 3331 is a commitment to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. It requires true faith and allegiance to the Constitution, a promise to perform duties faithfully, and is taken willingly.
Lewis, known for bestsellers like The Big Short and Moneyball, emphasizes the importance of understanding government functions. He challenges the stereotype of public servants as bureaucrats, pointing out that distrust in government often stems from a lack of awareness of its role. Everyday actions like drinking tap water or flying on airplanes rely on government oversight, highlighting the trust people place in federal institutions, often unknowingly.
“Every time they drink water out of the tap, or fly on an airplane, or eat food, or put dollars in their bank account, they’re trusting the government.”
Lewis argues that federal agencies attract individuals driven not by money or fame, but by a desire to make impactful contributions to society. He appreciates their sense of public spirit and the genuine difference they make for the community.
His latest book, Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State, explores the experiences of government workers amidst the changes brought by DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, initiated by President Trump and supported by Elon Musk. Musk claimed DOGE could lead to savings of at least $2 trillion by targeting inefficient government employees. Lewis finds the term “blockers” insulting, as it refers to those seen as hindrances to organizational goals.
The book features stories like that of Kathleen Walters, a former executive at the Internal Revenue Service. She resisted passing taxpayer information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement, challenging what she saw as legal violations. Despite facing difficult decisions, including resigning 23 days before qualifying for early retirement, Walters stood by her principles for the sake of legality and ethics.
The Government Accountability Office audited DOGE and found its savings claims to be overstated or unverifiable. Despite this, the Office of Personnel Management supports DOGE’s focus on organizational efficiency. Yet, Lewis argues that the debate extends beyond savings and efficiency numbers; it addresses the dignity and efforts of the individuals working within the system.
For those skeptical of government, Lewis believes his book will provide valuable insights. Understanding the invisible but substantial work performed by federal employees could shift perspectives about government value and function.
Michael Lewis’s book Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State will be available in various formats, offering a deeper look into the motivations and dedication of those often working behind the scenes in government roles.
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