WASHINGTON: At President Donald Trump’s inaugural Cabinet meeting, Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), addressed ongoing efforts to enhance federal operations.
Musk, serving as an adviser rather than a Cabinet member, humorously introduced himself as “tech support,” highlighting DOGE’s mission to modernize government computer systems.
He acknowledged receiving death threats related to his initiatives, which have led to significant workforce reductions.
Over the weekend, Musk sent an email to federal employees, requesting they outline their recent work activities.
This directive prompted over one million responses, amid mixed guidance from various agencies.
Clarifying the Email Directive
Addressing concerns, Musk clarified that the email was a “pulse check review,” not a performance evaluation.
He expressed concerns about “dead” or fictitious individuals on the government payroll.
Musk emphasized the importance of verifying active and legitimate employment.
He stated, “We’re literally trying to figure out, are these people real, are they alive and can they write an email?”
This initiative aims to identify and address payroll anomalies within the federal workforce.
Support and Oversight
Musk credited the Cabinet’s support for enabling the overhaul of federal operations.
He acknowledged that some critical roles were inadvertently affected during the restructuring.
Specifically, USAID’s Ebola prevention programs were “accidentally” canceled but were promptly reinstated.
This incident underscores the challenges inherent in large-scale bureaucratic reforms.
Musk emphasized the need for careful oversight to prevent unintended consequences.
Resignations and Controversies
The restructuring has led to over 20 resignations from the United States Digital Service (USDS).
These employees expressed concerns about being asked to dismantle public services.
They criticized the hiring of unqualified political appointees to fulfill the administration’s downsizing goals.
The mass resignations highlight internal opposition to the current approach.
This development raises questions about the sustainability of the ongoing reforms.
Legal and Administrative Ambiguities
Musk’s exact role within DOGE remains legally ambiguous.
Government lawyers have been unable to specify his official responsibilities.
Critics argue that DOGE operates with excessive secrecy and potentially unconstitutional authority.
Some judges have temporarily blocked DOGE’s access to critical government systems.
These legal challenges reflect the complexities of implementing such sweeping reforms.
The administration continues to navigate these issues as it pursues its efficiency agenda.
