WASHINGTON, USA — As Elon Musk continues his rapid overhaul of the federal government, concerns are growing within the Trump administration and among career officials.
They worry about his unchecked authority, access to sensitive government data, and aggressive push to shrink the federal workforce.
Despite being a “special government employee” with an 18-month mandate to streamline government operations, Musk’s influence has grown to levels rarely seen for a non-elected official.
His broad powers have allowed him to slash spending, reshape entire agencies, and gain access to critical financial and national security infrastructure, sparking internal tensions even within Trump’s inner circle.
White House Reinforces Musk’s Chain of Command
In recent days, Musk has received quiet but firm reminders from the White House that, while he enjoys unprecedented authority, he must still report to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
A senior Trump aide told NBC News that Musk’s response to the directive was uncertain, adding, “I’m not sure it was his preferred direction, and it did not seem like he was expecting it. But it has been reiterated to him in ways that, yes, he reports to the chief of staff.”
While Wiles publicly described her working relationship with Musk as “productive and friendly,” others within the administration have noted that Trump’s direct, unfiltered communication with Musk—which occurs frequently by phone—makes traditional White House oversight difficult.
Musk’s Influence Over Government Operations Grows
Musk, who operates from the grand Secretary of War Suite in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, has rapidly embedded himself across multiple federal agencies.
His Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team, which includes staff as young as 19 with no prior government experience, has been tasked with modernising and downsizing federal operations at breakneck speed.
His team has:
- Pressured more than 20,000 federal employees to accept “deferred resignations” in an effort to dramatically reduce the workforce.
- Gained access to sensitive government financial systems, including the Treasury Department’s payment network, despite internal objections.
- Led the push to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), cutting off billions in global humanitarian aid and placing thousands of employees on administrative leave.
- Played a key role in a sweeping new White House directive on federal technology infrastructure, centralizing control over digital operations and expanding Musk’s oversight of government tech systems.
A senior official at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services captured the unease among career staffers, “It 1,000% feels like Elon Musk is running the government.”
Others have raised concerns about retaliation against those critical of Musk’s actions.
“I do not feel safe voicing my personal opinions because they contradict those of Elon Musk and other people, because I’m afraid that I will lose my job without cause,” the official added.
Musk’s Push to “Break Things” Gains Support Among Conservatives
Despite growing resistance within government agencies, Musk has won praise from Trump’s conservative allies, who argue that his aggressive tactics are necessary to overhaul the bloated bureaucracy.
A Trump transition team veteran credited Musk for moving at “light speed” to deliver on long-promised conservative reforms.
“He’s moving in a way that we’ve never seen before, delivering on reforms that have been promised not just by Trump, but by the conservative movement for 45 years,” the official said.
Another Trump ally defended Musk’s “break things” approach, arguing that government inefficiencies require bold action.
“He’s running way more and has more influence than any one individual. Again, unelected, un-Senate-approved, unvetted. I think all those things are important. He has an incredible influence on the White House,” said a former USAID contractor affected by Musk’s restructuring.
Justice Department Moves to Shield Musk’s Team from Scrutiny
As criticism over Musk’s outsized role grows, the Trump administration is taking steps to protect his DOGE team from public scrutiny.
On Monday, Trump-appointed interim U.S. Attorney Ed Martin announced that the Justice Department would pursue legal action against individuals or groups that publicly identify DOGE staffers, citing potential violations of federal law.
“Our initial review of the evidence presented to us indicates that certain individuals and/or groups have committed acts that appear to violate the law in targeting DOGE employees,” Martin said.
He confirmed that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies were investigating alleged threats against Musk’s team.
Dear @elon, Please see this important letter. We will not tolerate threats against DOGE workers or law-breaking by the disgruntled. All the best. Ed Martin pic.twitter.com/jIgMPVbPT5
— Ed Martin (@EagleEdMartin) February 3, 2025
Musk responded swiftly on X (formerly Twitter), warning:
“Don’t mess with @DOGE.”
What’s Next?
As Musk continues his sweeping overhaul, the political and legal battles over his role are only intensifying.
While the White House insists Musk must follow a chain of command, his direct access to Trump and unchecked influence over government restructuring suggest that his authority remains largely autonomous.
With USAID in crisis, mass resignations across federal agencies, and growing concerns over transparency and accountability, Congressional Democrats and career officials may seek legal challenges to rein in Musk’s power.
For now, Musk’s aggressive, corporate-style restructuring of the federal government continues, reshaping Washington in ways never before seen under any administration.
