Elon Musk's Push for Federal Data Sparks Privacy Concerns
Washington D.C., Tuesday, 4 February 2025.
Elon Musk’s recent attempts to access federal employee data have ignited controversy over privacy, administrative boundaries, and the impact on millions of American families.
Trump Administration’s Bold Move
In a significant development, Elon Musk was officially appointed as a ‘special government employee’ on February 2, 2025, to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) [3][5]. This appointment, made by President Trump, allows Musk to work up to 130 days per calendar year without standard financial disclosure requirements [3]. Despite Trump’s assurance that ‘Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval,’ [5] the appointment has already led to controversial actions within federal agencies.
Unprecedented Access to Sensitive Data
Reports emerged on January 31, 2025, that Musk’s aides clashed with Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Treasury staffers over access to federal employee data [1]. This sensitive information includes bank codes, addresses, insurance details, and retirement accounts of federal employees [1]. The situation escalated when, on February 2, 2025, Musk reportedly ousted top officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for refusing access to classified security and personnel information [1][2].
Young Engineers and Security Concerns
Adding to the controversy is Musk’s deployment of a team of inexperienced engineers, aged 19-24, who have gained unprecedented access to federal infrastructure [4]. These individuals, including Akash Bobba, Edward Coristine, Luke Farritor, and others, have obtained A-suite level clearance within the GSA [4]. This has prompted expert Don Moynihan, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, to describe the situation as ‘unprecedented… a hostile takeover of the machinery of governments by the richest man in the world’ [4].
Legal Challenges and Resistance
The controversial actions have sparked immediate legal resistance. On February 3, 2025, the Alliance for Retired Americans and federal employee unions filed a lawsuit to block DOGE’s access to Treasury systems [2]. Federal workers have reportedly been silenced by gag orders and face threats of dismissal [1]. Former White House ethics lawyer Norm Eisen has strongly opposed these actions, stating, ‘You can’t have my data. You can’t have my spouse’s data. You can’t have my kid’s data. That information is too precious. This is wrong. It’s illegal’ [2].