Musk is allegedly influencing operations within key US government agencies
What's the story
Elon Musk's associates are said to be gaining considerable power within various US government agencies, including the Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The Washington Post reported that this has resulted in the exit of a top-ranking career official at the Treasury, after disagreements with members of Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over access to sensitive payment systems.
Access dispute
DOGE's quest for access to sensitive payment systems
Since the November election, DOGE officials have been looking to gain access to a system that oversees more than $6 trillion a year for programs like Social Security and Medicare. The Donald Trump administration has resisted the move, looking for ways to stop the flow of federal money allocated by Congress. Reuters reported Musk's team has limited career civil servants' access to computer systems containing personal data of millions of federal employees.
Tech scrutiny
Musk's team scrutinizes tech workers across government
As per WIRED, tech workers throughout the government are being forced to undergo code reviews by Musk's team. This is just one of the latest examples of how Musk and his associates are shaking up the federal government in a manner similar to his Twitter takeover. The report further claims that Musk's team was behind a recent government-wide email offering employees a chance to resign, highlighting their increasing influence in these agencies.
Role reversal
DOGE's role in government contradicts original purpose
The original purpose of DOGE, as Trump announced post his election victory, was to serve as an external entity advising on spending cuts. However, after his inauguration, Trump renamed the US Digital Service to "US DOGE service," effectively bringing Musk and his team within the government. WIRED reports Musk now works from an office in the White House's West Wing and often stays overnight at the DOGE office.
New appointments
SpaceX veteran Bjelde joins OPM as senior adviser
The new team at OPM also includes software engineers and SpaceX veteran Brian Bjelde, who has taken the position of a senior adviser. Acting head of OPM, Charles Ezell, has been in touch with the entire government workforce since Trump took office. Among those now leading OPM is Amanda Scales, another former Musk employee, who is chief of staff. Ex-Tesla engineer and The Boring Company Director Riccardo Biasini also has a senior advisory position.