The National Design Studio (NDS), a government initiative launched in 2025 to improve public-facing services, has been linked to the America by Design Foundation—a nonprofit managed by SpaceXAI’s top lawyer—that pays the salaries of some government personnel assigned to NDS projects.
- Some National Design Studio members are employed by a nonprofit tied to SpaceXAI’s legal leadership.
- Staff are assigned to government under provisions allowing temporary personnel loans from nonprofits.
- Concerns arise about the lack of transparency and potential private sector influence on public projects.
What happened
The National Design Studio (NDS) was established by the White House in August 2025 as part of the America by Design initiative, aiming to enhance digital government services. WIRED's investigation reveals that several NDS contributors are on loan from the America by Design Foundation, a nonprofit run by James Burnham, who also serves as general counsel for SpaceXAI. Notably, at least two NDS members—Amittai Groot and John Cafazza—are employed by this nonprofit and have been detailed to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
These personnel arrangements leverage legal provisions that permit experts from nonprofits to be temporarily assigned to government roles without undergoing the usual federal hiring process. Groot and Cafazza’s part-time terms with OPM span from mid-2026 onward, yet the exact funding sources supporting the America by Design Foundation and the projects undertaken remain unclear. The structure resembles prior setups involving the Digital Optimization Group for Excellence (DOGE), with which some NDS members were affiliated.
Why it matters
This blending of nonprofit employment with government roles prompts questions about accountability and transparency in public service. Experts warn that such arrangements may allow private sector actors—especially those connected to influential companies like SpaceXAI—to exert disproportionate influence on government initiatives. The instability around funding origins and employee oversight fuels concerns about adherence to rules governing government staffing and lobbying.
Moreover, the revolving doorway between tech-related nonprofits and government positions could undermine public trust if policies or platforms are shaped without clear disclosure of private interests. The consolidation of multiple government services into projects such as the AI-driven America.gov website, led by NDS staff, highlights the impact of these personnel on critical digital infrastructure, raising calls for enhanced scrutiny.
What to watch next
Stakeholders should monitor potential regulatory responses and congressional interest in the employment practices surrounding NDS and similar initiatives. Transparency advocates may push for stricter disclosure requirements about nonprofit funding sources and clearer separation between government missions and private tech sector agendas. Watch for developments in how the Office of Personnel Management oversees these personnel details and any legislative efforts to address perceived conflicts of interest.
Additionally, the progress and management of America.gov and related platforms will be key to understanding the practical implications of this public-private staffing model. Public feedback, independent audits, and further investigative reporting could shape future policy on collaborative government technology efforts involving nonprofits connected to industry figures.