The White House has clarified that Elon Musk is not the official leader of the United States Doge Service (USDS), an agency focused on digital and web infrastructure, despite his significant involvement. Created through an executive order by President Donald Trump, the agency has been a source of considerable controversy and internal upheaval. The White House insists that Amy Gleason serves as the acting administrator, amid allegations and legal challenges questioning the agency's leadership and operations.
Originally known as the United States Digital Service, the agency was renamed to the United States Doge Service under President Trump's directive. The executive order established its leadership structure, positioning a USDS Administrator to report directly to the White House chief of staff. However, a series of lawsuits have emerged, challenging the legitimacy and constitutionality of Doge, as well as Musk's unofficial role within it.
Elon Musk, while not officially holding a leadership position, has been leading efforts external to Doge that aim to curtail government spending through funding cuts and workforce reductions. This involvement has sparked confusion and concern within Doge, leading to significant disruptions in the ranks of the existing US Digital Service. Musk's involvement has also prompted legal scrutiny, forcing the Trump administration to address his status in court.
"The president tasked Elon Musk to oversee the Doge effort," stated Karoline Leavitt.
Despite these claims, the White House maintains that Musk is not employed by Doge. The administration has described him as a "special government employee," although experts argue that his activities do not align with this traditional designation, which carries specific regulatory requirements.
"If [Musk] were actually the administrator, then this issue about him needing Senate confirmation and his actually having to abide by the conflict of interest laws would be much clearer," explained Max Stier.
Adding to the turmoil, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly expressed constitutional concerns during a recent hearing regarding the agency's formation and operations. Meanwhile, internal discord has led to significant staffing changes. Earlier this month, several Doge staffers were fired, while 21 employees resigned in protest on Tuesday.
In a letter addressing management, Doge employees expressed their dissatisfaction and concern for security risks associated with the agency's direction.
"significant security risks," they alleged.
"We swore to serve the American people and uphold our oath to the Constitution across presidential administrations," they continued. "However, it has become clear that we can no longer honor those commitments."
The White House has been evasive regarding Doge's leadership, offering vague responses across multiple lawsuits. Only recently did they confirm Amy Gleason as the acting administrator. Additionally, allegations surfaced accusing Doge employees of creating significant security threats.
While the agency grapples with these challenges, some within the administration insist on unity.
"Everyone is working together as one unified team at the direction of President Trump," affirmed Leavitt.
Nonetheless, questions remain about Musk's involvement and influence within Doge. Bradley Humphreys commented on Musk's role without providing concrete details.
"I don't have any information beyond he's a close adviser to the president," said Humphreys.
Karoline Leavitt further stated that both "career officials" and appointees are assisting Musk in running Doge, with federal employees working across various agencies.