Elon Musk has swiftly taken control of two major U.S. government agencies, influencing 2.2 million federal employees and restructuring operations under President Trump’s cost-cutting agenda. In just two weeks, Musk and his team—comprising former employees of Tesla and SpaceX—have assumed control of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the General Services Administration (GSA).
Musk’s influence has created chaos, with government workers receiving emails offering financial incentives to resign. His newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite not being a formal department, has taken over critical systems, including the U.S. Treasury’s payment network, which handles $6 trillion annually. Critics argue Musk now wields alarming power without Senate confirmation or a security clearance.
The White House insists Musk operates under Trump’s oversight. “Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval,” Trump stated. However, concerns grow as DOGE officials restrict senior managers’ access to their own systems and attempt to shut down USAID, America’s foreign aid agency.
Government workers, fearing mass layoffs and surveillance, have turned to encrypted platforms to discuss their options. Meanwhile, lawmakers and federal unions are suing to block Musk’s unprecedented authority, citing conflicts of interest due to his private business ties.
An email titled “Fork in the Road” offered employees a deferred resignation plan, urging them to leave government work for private-sector jobs. Over 20,000 workers reportedly plan to quit. Legal experts warn Musk’s unchecked control over federal operations threatens accountability and governance norms.
“We don’t have a fourth branch of government called Elon Musk,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. Uncertainty looms as lawsuits mount and protests grow.
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