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More than 20 Department of Government Efficiency ("DOGE") employees resigned Tuesday (Feb. 25), saying they would no longer aid in leader Elon Musk's technological overhaul of federal services.

The group — made up of technologists previously employed at digital giants like Google and Amazon — comprised about one-third of the U.S. Digital Service, the government office subsumed and rebranded as DOGE by Musk following President Donald Trump's instatement. Musk previously fired around 40 digital service staffers after taking over the office.

SEE ALSO: Grok blocked sources accusing Elon Musk of spreading misinformation

The remaining members posted their call to action as part of WeTheBuilders, a recently-launched collective and website created by current and public federal workers who decry Trump's federal efficiency plans and share inside stories about DOGE's overhaul. The group calls themselves "The official resistance team of the U.S. Digital Service."

"We swore to serve the American people and uphold our oath to the Constitution across presidential administrations. However, it has become clear that we can no longer honor those commitments... We will not use our skills as technologists to compromise core government systems, jeopardize Americans’ sensitive data, or dismantle critical public services. We will not lend our expertise to carry out or legitimize DOGE’s actions," wrote the Digital Service employees in a joint resignation letter to Trump's chief of staff, obtained by the Associated Press. "These actions are not compatible with the mission we joined the United States Digital Service to carry out: to deliver better services to the American people through technology and design."

💪💻 We are the Builders. #altUSDS #wethebuilders @apnews.com

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— Alt US Digital Service (@altusds.bsky.social) February 25, 2025 at 12:30 PM

According to the employees, unaffiliated White House visitors who refused to identify themselves entered the Digital Services offices in January, aggressively interviewing current employees about their political stances and expertise, while hinting at Musk's overhaul. Digital Services staff said those actions, and more, presented an alarming breach of security protocol. "DOGE’s actions — firing technical experts, mishandling sensitive data and breaking critical systems — contradict their stated mission of ‘modernizing federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity," they wrote.

Last week, Musk sent out a mass email (and statement via social media platform X) to federal workers, telling them that they needed to send a documented report of all the work they had accomplished over the last work week or effectively resign from their positions. The Office of Personnel Management, the federal government's human resources department, announced yesterday that response to the email is "voluntary."

The White House quickly responded to the DOGE resignations, dismissing the group's criticisms. "Anyone who thinks protests, lawsuits, and lawfare will deter President Trump must have been sleeping under a rock for the past several years," said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. "President Trump will not be deterred from delivering on the promises he made to make our federal government more efficient and more accountable to the hardworking American taxpayers."

Google’s Pixel 9a just got hit with a major leak, and this time, it’s a full-on hands-on video.

The yet-to-be-announced phone reportedly made an early appearance, showcasing its familiar minimalist design — but with a build that leans more budget than premium, according to 9to5Google.

Google’s A-series Pixel phones have always been about balancing cost savings with flagship-tier features, but the Pixel 9a might take a slightly different approach. If the latest leaks hold up, the device is expected to pack familiar specs: a Tensor G4 processor, up to 8GB of RAM, and a 120Hz OLED display, among other Pixel-specific features.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9 review: Officially too much AI

But affordability comes with trade-offs. According to a hands-on video spotted on 9to5Google, the 9a might be built with cheaper materials for its chassis and frame. Despite its more budget-friendly appearance, the leaker describes the phone as "plastic feeling" — comparing it to a "Nokia Lumia" that’s surprisingly comfortable in hand.

There’s not much else known about the Pixel 9a at this point, but if you’re particular about how a phone feels in hand, well, here’s something to consider. That said, the leak suggests the 9a will deliver an aesthetically pleasing design, opting for a flat profile over bulky camera bumps.

When can you actually get your hands on one? If the rumors are true, Google could be gearing up to launch the Pixel 9a sometime in late March.

SPEND $25, SAVE $5: Through 3 a.m. ET (12 a.m. PT) on Feb. 25, you can save $5 when you spend $25 on over 4,000 eligible paperback and hardcover books at Target.

Opens in a new window Credit: Red Tower Books / Entangled Publishing Spend $25 on books, save $5 Shop Now

E-book deals are popping up pretty much every week these days.

But if physical page turning is what really gets your dopamine dopamine-ing, Target's current book sale is about to do a real number on your 2025 reading list — and perhaps provide inspo for a spring refresh of your coffee table decor. Through 3 a.m. ET (midnight PT) on Feb. 25, Target will shave off $5 when you spend $25 on books.

SEE ALSO: I read over 50 books a year. Here are my favorite e-readers.

The discount is applied at checkout for Target Circle members, which is a quick, free membership you'll want to join — Target offers little coupons like this all the time.

The list of eligible books is more than 4,000 long — sifting through all 50 pages is essentially reading a book in itself. Shop BookTok heavy hitters like the Court of Thorns and Roses series or titles from Freida McFadden and Colleen Hoover, nonfiction gems like Matthew McConaughey's Greenlights, shadow work journals, or even the occasional coloring book.

Mashable curated a list of TikTok's favorite fiction books from 2024, in case you don't feel like spending hours on the app yourself. You know, because you like to spend your free time... reading. Even if you're not a big book person yourself, this sale is a gold mine for gift ideas or donation options.

TL;DR: Enjoy a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just A$235 (reg. A$470).

Anyone interested in learning to play the piano should take a closer look at Skoove. This app is more like your personal piano coach. Using cutting-edge AI technology, Skoove listens to the notes you play and offers real-time feedback to help you improve. A lifetime subscription is on sale for just A$235 (reg. A$470).

The lessons are tailored to your pace and skill level, ensuring a customized experience. Whether you’re diving into classical compositions or belting out pop hits, Skoove’s extensive library keeps learning fresh and exciting.

With compatibility across all pianos and keyboards — USB/MIDI or acoustic — you can learn wherever you are. Plus, Skoove’s monthly updates mean you’ll always have new songs and lessons to explore. And if you ever hit a snag, their one-on-one support from expert instructors has you covered.

Learning piano doesn’t have to be intimidating. With Skoove, you can start at your own pace and build confidence through intuitive lessons. Want to play Imagine by John Lennon or dive into Beethoven’s Für Elise? Skoove makes it possible, breaking each piece into digestible steps that make learning fun and achievable.

For seasoned players, Skoove offers advanced lessons and techniques to refine your skills and broaden your repertoire. And since it works on tablets, smartphones, and personal computers across multiple operating systems, your piano practice is always at your fingertips.

Say goodbye to expensive piano tutors and rigid schedules. For just A$235, you can unlock a lifetime of Skoove lessons and resources designed to grow with you.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription A$235.00 at the Mashable Shop
A$470.00 Save A$235.00 Get Deal

SAVE $79.01: The Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ (Mango Yellow) is on sale for just $69.99 at Woot, down from the normal price of $149. That's a 53% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ (Mango Yellow) $69.99 at Woot
$149.00 Save $79.01 Get Deal

Morning coffee is serious business for some of us. We go to bed thrilled that the hours until coffee are dwindling. Many coffee-lovers are incredibly picky about how they like their brew, and rightfully so. But sometimes it pays off to not to be picky. If you don't have a particular color in mind when it comes to coffee machines, check out today's deal at Woot.

As of Feb. 25, the Mango Yellow Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ espresso and coffee maker is on sale at Woot for just $69.99, down from the list price of $149. That's a 53% discount that saves $79.01 compared to the regular price. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you'll get free shipping at Woot.

A Nespresso machine is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to get a quick coffee each morning. The Vertuo Pop+ machine uses Nespresso Vertuo pods and allows you the option to choose between five sizes — 5, 8, and 12 ounces or opt for a single or double shot of espresso. Both espresso options can be made as hot or iced drinks.

SEE ALSO: The Ember Mug 2 is at an even better deal than it was a few weeks ago

The machine takes only 30 seconds to heat up and it'll also give you a descaling alert when the machine needs some light maintenance. Plus, each pod is recyclable with Nespresso's free program.

If your kitchen and coffee setup could use a spring refresh, hurry to snag the Mango Yellow Nespresso Vertuo Pop+ for just $69.99. Not only will the color bring some brightness to your kitchen, the machine will add convenience to your morning routine.