In a bold and controversial move, Elon Musk has spearheaded a new taskforce under the moniker Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This initiative, launched to streamline government operations and cut costs, is raising eyebrows due to its unconventional composition and methods. Comprised mainly of young men with minimal government or management experience, the taskforce is tasked with reforming federal agencies, including USAid and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Musk's team includes individuals with backgrounds in software engineering, many of whom have previously worked for his companies such as SpaceX and X. The youngest member, Edward Coristine, also known as "Big Balls," is just 19 years old and was formerly an intern at Neuralink. Marko Elez, another notable hire at 25, has a controversial history of racist tweets during his time at X and SpaceX. Despite these concerns, Elez initially received overwrite access to the Treasury department's payment system, though this was later downgraded to read-only.
The presence of these young hires in federal spaces has not gone unnoticed. Federal employees have labeled them "Muskrats" and "dinosaurs," reflecting a mix of skepticism and disdain. The taskforce's access extends to sensitive systems holding information on millions of Americans, prompting concerns about their ability to handle such critical data responsibly.
Musk has been vocal about the taskforce's mission on X, often mocking federal employees for their reluctance to work weekends. His rhetoric likens the taskforce to "autistic tech bros" pitted against "non-binary Deep State theater kids." Despite such divisive commentary, the young hires have established sleeping pods in federal offices as they forge ahead with their reform agenda.
One member, Gavin Kliger, has stirred further controversy by amplifying a post by white supremacist Nick Fuentes on X. Kliger has also launched a Substack to critique the educational system, ironically titled "Why DOGE: Why I gave up a seven-figure salary to save America."
"You could not pay me to marry outside of my ethnicity." – Marko Elez
Elez’s past comments and actions have cast a shadow over the taskforce's credibility. His statement about ethnicity underscores concerns about the team's ability to navigate the diverse issues within federal agencies effectively.
"the yearbook committee and theater kid types getting rocked by a football team and chess club alliance" – Elon Musk
Musk’s comparison suggests a culture clash within the government, positioning his team as disruptors against a traditional bureaucracy. However, critics argue that the lack of expertise among these hires could lead to inefficiencies rather than cost-saving solutions.
"autistic tech bros" against "non-binary Deep State theater kids" – Elon Musk
Musk’s divisive language reflects the broader criticisms aimed at DOGE. The taskforce's approach, while innovative in its intent, faces scrutiny for potentially undermining the integrity of federal systems due to its members' inexperience.
The integration of these young hires into federal agencies is not merely a logistical challenge but a question of governance. The sensitive nature of the systems they access, containing data about millions of citizens, highlights the stakes involved in their mission.