Elon Musk has found an unconventional route into the heart of government operations without being elected or confirmed for any government role. Through his leadership of President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) project, Musk has gained access to sensitive federal data and is pushing for a sweeping agenda that some worry could spark a constitutional crisis.
Much like his aggressive takeover of Twitter in 2022, Musk has adopted Silicon Valley's “move fast and break things” mentality, storming into government systems and structures. As head of DOGE, he’s set up a team to analyze everything from office leases to government contracts, with the goal of radically downsizing federal agencies.
Musk, backed by young engineers and with Trump's encouragement, has gained unprecedented access to government databases, including the Treasury Department's payment system, all while bypassing some of the ethical and transparency standards that apply to federal workers.
Concerns are growing among lawmakers, both Democrats and Republicans, about Musk’s unchecked influence. Critics argue that his operations could be unlawful and undermine Congress’s authority, while Musk continues to push his vision of drastically reducing the size of the federal government.
DOGE's targets have included the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where staff reductions have already occurred, and the Treasury Department. Musk has expressed his intent to slash agencies like the General Services Administration, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Education Department.
Despite the secrecy surrounding DOGE’s plans, Musk’s social media posts hint at his objectives, such as slashing federal jobs, canceling contracts, and scrutinizing government spending. Some of his claims, such as the alleged misuse of taxpayer funds for Gaza-bound condoms, have raised eyebrows and been debunked.
Musk's efforts have raised alarms among government officials, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who warned that DOGE's aggressive moves could put government services at risk. Senate Democrats have also voiced concerns about Musk’s lack of accountability and potential conflicts of interest.
While Musk's influence has allowed him to bypass traditional oversight, his involvement is largely secretive, with few details available on the staff working under him and the decisions being made. As DOGE continues its mission, questions about its legality, transparency, and long-term impact remain unresolved.
The project’s name, DOGE, a playful reference to a volatile cryptocurrency, might be a joke, but the consequences of Musk’s influence over government functions could be anything but.
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