Elon Musk and US Government Agencies: Reportedly Taking Control?

Concerns Rise Over Musk Associates' Influence in Government Agencies

Reports indicate that individuals affiliated with Elon Musk are gaining significant control within several federal government agencies. These include the Office of Personnel Management, the Treasury Department, and the General Services Administration.

Treasury Department Clash

According to a Washington Post report published Friday, the top career official at the Treasury Department is departing following a dispute with personnel from Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The disagreement centered on access to critical payment systems.

Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that DOGE officials have been requesting access to systems managing over $6 trillion in annual funds. This includes vital programs like Social Security and Medicare since November’s election.

The current administration has explored methods to restrict federally allocated funds, as evidenced by a recently issued, and constitutionally questionable, spending freeze.

Data Access and System Control

Reuters also reported Friday that aides to Musk have restricted career civil servants’ access to computer systems. These systems contain sensitive personal data belonging to millions of federal employees.

Leaked documentation, obtained by Wired, demonstrates that Musk’s staff have effectively taken over the General Services Administration. This agency is responsible for managing federal offices and technology infrastructure.

Increased Scrutiny of Tech Workers

Government tech employees are now facing intense scrutiny. They are being subjected to code reviews conducted by associates of Musk, as reported by Wired on Thursday.

Furthermore, Musk and his team appear to have been involved in a recent government-wide email offering employees the opportunity to voluntarily resign.

Parallels to Twitter Takeover

Musk’s current actions within the federal government closely mirror the turbulent period following his acquisition of Twitter. These events are detailed in publications like “Character Limit” and other contemporary reporting.

DOGE's Evolving Role

This situation represents an unprecedented concentration of power within the U.S. government. It also deviates significantly from the initially stated objectives of DOGE.

When first announced by Donald Trump in November after winning the election, DOGE was presented as an external entity. Its purpose was to provide recommendations for budgetary cuts.

However, this initial plan was not implemented.

Operational Shift and Integration

Following his inauguration, Trump issued an executive order renaming the U.S. Digital Service to the “U.S. DOGE service.” This effectively integrated Musk’s operations directly into the government.

Wired reports that Musk maintains an office in the White House’s West Wing and is also reportedly utilizing the DOGE office as a sleeping space.

This article has been updated to reflect new reporting from Wired regarding the infiltration of the General Services Administration by Elon Musk’s staff.