Trump Appoints Airbnb Co-founder to Lead New National Design Studio
US President Donald Trump has appointed Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia to lead the newly formed National Design Studio. This new agency aims to make digital services across federal departments more efficient and user-friendly, according to two officials familiar with the decision.
The move follows Trump’s signing of an executive order on Thursday that formally creates the National Design Studio. One official described it as a streamlined version of the now-defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was previously led by Elon Musk.
Focus on IRS and Retirement Services
Gebbia, who has already been involved in efforts to modernise the federal retirement system, will take on the role of Chief Design Officer. A key focus will be resolving ongoing usability issues at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the official added.
While the White House has not confirmed whether the new studio replaces DOGE, the shift suggests a more targeted approach to federal service design. DOGE, once a high-profile project under Musk, aimed to reduce government size and modernise digital platforms but faded from view after Musk’s departure in May following a falling out with Trump.
Studio to Enhance Digital Design Standards
According to the executive order, the National Design Studio will be tasked with improving the “usability and aesthetics” of government digital platforms. The team will work with agencies to cut redundant design expenses and standardise visual and functional design on government websites used by the public.
The studio will operate for three years and report directly to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. However, it remains unclear who will be named as its administrator. Gebbia and the White House have not responded to requests for comment regarding the appointment or the studio’s full scope.
with inputs from Reuters