A federal prosecutor appointed by former President Trump revealed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is actively investigating the alleged targeting of employees at the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). This comes amid escalating tensions between Elon Musk and Reddit communities. The Trump administration had earlier granted Musk's deputies access to the federal payments system, which manages trillions of dollars in government funds annually.
The controversy intensified when Reddit temporarily banned a community that discussed Doge staff after Musk alleged that user comments violated the law. In a decisive move, Reddit also permanently banned the subreddit r/IsElonDeadYet, which featured daily posts speculating on Musk's mortality. Reddit cited that the posts were inciting violence or doxing, which are against the platform's rules.
"Inciting and glorifying violence or doxing are against Reddit's platform-wide rules" – Reddit
Reddit emphasized its commitment to allowing debate and dissent but drew a firm line against threats and doxing.
"Debate and dissent are welcome on Reddit – threats and doxing are not." – Reddit
The names of Doge staff shared online have sparked backlash, prompting federal authorities to step in. United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, Edward Martin, confirmed the investigation, highlighting potential legal violations.
"Our initial review of the evidence presented to us indicates that certain individuals and/or groups have committed acts that appear to violate the law in targeting Doge employees" – United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward Martin
"Any threats, confrontations, or other actions in any way that impact their work may break numerous laws" – United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward Martin
Martin assured of stringent legal action against those threatening Doge employees.
"We will pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes your work or threatens your people" – United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Edward Martin
The friction between Musk and Reddit users has been building over recent weeks. Over 100 subreddits have banned users from posting links to X, Musk's platform, in protest of his controversial actions at a rally celebrating Donald Trump's return to office. The r/WhitePeopleTwitter subreddit faced a 72-hour ban after users called for violence against Doge members.
Elon Musk has publicly criticized legal actions against individuals for online comments in the past, adding another layer of complexity to the current situation. These unfolding events underscore the fragile balance between freedom of speech and online safety.