Elon Musk’s ‘Doge’ Team: How Tech Tycoons and Ideologues Seized US Agencies
TL/DR –
Elon Musk’s efforts to defund and control US federal agencies have caused political upheaval. His team, known as “Doge”, consists of wealthy executives, far-right ideologues, and young engineers, who have gained access to computer systems at government institutions, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAid). Critics are concerned about the lack of government experience in the team, as well as their evasiveness around ethics and financial disclosures typically required of government workers.
Elon Musk’s “Doge” Seizes Control of US Government Agencies Amidst Chaos
Elon Musk’s unprecedented attempt to quickly downsize the federal government has thrown US politics into disarray. The billionaire’s self-proclaimed “team of government efficiency,” dubbed “Doge,” consists of well-heeled executives, far-right ideologues, and young engineers are assuming control of significant agencies.
Government Institutions at Risk
Government institutions like the treasury department, General Services Administration, and United States Agency for International Development (USAid) are coming under Doge’s influence. Musk’s allies have gained access to computer systems, possessing personal data and payment information of millions of Americans. The team aims to shut down USAid, known as the world’s largest humanitarian aid supplier.
Building a Team Loyal to Musk
For this potentially illegal gutting of public funding, Musk has assembled loyalists lacking government experience, mostly from tech circles and ardent Maga supporters, according to a review of people publicly associated with Doge. However, Doge has not released any detailed account of who is working at the unofficial agency. The team avoids public scrutiny by limiting their online footprints.
Anonymous Interviewers and Legal Protection
A lawsuit filed by federal workers’ unions alleges that Musk’s Doge allies have held calls and interviews without disclosing their full names to escape media scrutiny. In a letter shared by Musk on X, the Trump-appointed federal prosecutor assured his support for any legal action against those hampering Doge’s work.
Doge Influence inside the White House
Inside the White House, Musk appears to run Doge independently and with President Trump’s backing. “They work, actually, out of the White House,” Trump said, “They’re smart people.” A Doge spokesperson did not respond to a list of questions regarding its staff and operations.
Tech Executives and Engineers at Major Agencies
Several Doge members hail directly from Musk’s private companies, including Tesla and xAI. Notably, Steve Davis, Musk’s longtime lieutenant, is reported to lead the effort. Additionally, Amanda Scales, a former Musk employee, is now chief of staff at the office of personnel management, the government’s human resources agency.
Associations with Maga and Controversial Figures
Alongside full-time staff, Doge also works with Trump hardliners to gain control over government agencies. These include far-right representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Peter Marocco, accused by multiple staffers of poor leadership and toxic workplace behavior.
Young Engineers Gaining Power
Musk has reportedly hired a group of young engineers fresh out of college or high school to work with Doge, who have been given an enormous amount of power over the federal government— including direct “write access” to treasury department payment systems.
Changing Staff and Hidden Identities
Some Doge members have been given roles elsewhere in the administration or pushed out entirely. Others hold unclear roles within the unofficial agency, adding to the lack of transparency around Doge’s operations.
Watchdog groups have condemned Doge’s operation. “It’s crucial that these officials abide by ethics and transparency requirements to assure the public they are serving in the best interest of our communities,” said the general counsel of the Project on Government Oversight.
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