Dogecoin (DOGE) was created in 2013 as a lighthearted alternative to traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The Dogecoin name and Shiba Inu logo are based on a meme. Unlike Bitcoin, which is designed to be scarce, Dogecoin is intentionally abundant — 10,000 new coins are mined every minute and there is no maximum supply like other cryptocurrencies.

The concept of DOGE emerged in a discussion between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, where Musk floated the idea of a department for streamlining government efficiency. Later, the suggestion was made by Trump of establishing such a department and for it to be headed by Musk.

Musk has suggested that the commission could help to cut the U.S. federal budget by up to US$2 trillion through measures such as reducing waste, abolishing redundant agencies, and downsizing the federal workforce. Ramaswamy also stated that DOGE may eliminate entire federal agencies and reduce the number of federal employees by as much as 75%. Musk has also proposed consolidating the number of federal agencies from more than 400 to fewer than 100.

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) refers to a planned United States presidential advisory commission announced by president-elect Donald Trump in preparation for his second term as U.S. president. It will be led by the billionaire businessmen Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. Despite its name, DOGE is not intended to function as a federal executive department, the creation of which would require the approval of the U.S. Congress; instead, it will serve as an advisory body making recommendations on streamlining the U.S. federal government and reducing inefficiency.

The idea of a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been linked to Trump's campaign promises to cut federal spending and reduce the size of government and the size of the federal fiscal deficit.