- globetrotter
- 10 Feb 2025
- #General
Elon Musk Expands Influence in Washington While Dodging Scrutiny Over DOGE Operations
Elon Musk’s growing presence in Washington is raising eyebrows as he deepens his control over federal agencies under President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite Musk’s previous assurances of transparency, his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been operating behind closed doors, avoiding scrutiny while pushing aggressive reforms.
DOGE’s Rapid Expansion and Lack of Oversight
Since Trump’s return to the White House, Musk’s team has quietly taken over key government operations, sidelining career officials and refusing to answer questions from lawmakers and journalists. While Musk describes his role as “White House tech support,” watchdogs warn that he has unprecedented, unchecked power with little accountability.
Donald K. Sherman, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), has criticized the arrangement, stating that Trump has given Musk the ability to “exert unprecedented power over government systems” with maximum secrecy.
DOGE officials have been spotted at agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Treasury Department, FEMA, and NOAA, often without prior announcements. Some federal employees have reported being left in the dark about what systems Musk’s team is accessing and for what purpose.
Musk’s Focus: Government Waste or Power Grab?
According to Trump, Musk is working to eliminate excessive government spending, including shutting down agencies like USAID and canceling unnecessary contracts. However, critics argue that Musk’s actions go beyond efficiency measures and amount to an unchecked power grab.
Democratic lawmakers, including House Oversight Committee’s top Democrat Gerald Connolly, have raised concerns over Musk’s ability to dismantle agencies, fire employees, and implement sweeping reforms without congressional oversight.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described Musk as an "unelected, out-of-control billionaire puppet master" manipulating government systems without public accountability.
