Musk & DOGE: Staff Links Revealed – ProPublica
- More than 100 private-sector executives, engineers, and investors have been identified by ProPublica as part of an effort to help President Donald Trump dramatically downsize the U.S....
- While Elon Musk has reportedly left the Department of Government Efficiency, his network of associates remains embedded within numerous federal agencies.
- The investigation reveals potential conflicts of interest, with at least 23 DOGE officials making cuts at federal agencies that regulate their former industries.
ProPublica’s inquiry shines a light on the DOGE team and its far-reaching influence within the Trump administration, even after Elon Musk‘s departure. Uncover the intricate web connecting over 100 private-sector individuals—many with direct financial ties to Musk’s businesses—who are actively reshaping U.S. government policy. The article reveals potential conflicts of interest, with DOGE officials overseeing agencies that regulate their former employers. This effort, shrouded in limited clarity, raises critical questions about accountability. Learn how DOGE’s actions are impacting the government, and how the Supreme Court’s involvement further complicates matters. News Directory 3 is also reporting on the evolving situation. Unravel the implications of these key decisions. Discover what’s next …
Elon Musk’s Acolytes: DOGE Team’s Influence in Trump Administration
Updated June 11, 2025
More than 100 private-sector executives, engineers, and investors have been identified by ProPublica as
part of an effort to help President Donald Trump dramatically downsize the U.S. government. This initiative,
launched shortly after DOGE’s creation,reveals the extent of private-sector involvement in shaping federal
policy.
While Elon Musk has reportedly left the Department of Government Efficiency, his network of associates remains
embedded within numerous federal agencies. At least 38 DOGE members have worked for or currently work for
Musk’s businesses, according to ProPublica’s examination. Moreover, at least nine have invested in Musk’s
companies or own stock in them.
The investigation reveals potential conflicts of interest, with at least 23 DOGE officials making cuts at
federal agencies that regulate their former industries. For example, one DOGE member oversaw layoffs at the
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau while holding stock in companies the agency regulated.
Financial disclosures show that at least a dozen DOGE members remain employees or advisers of their former
companies. Additionally, at least nine continue to receive corporate benefits, potentially influencing their
roles in shaping federal policies affecting their employers. The DOGE tracker, now listing 109 members,
highlights the backgrounds of individuals involved in this significant effort.
“Even though Elon Musk and some of his top officials are shifting their attention to other issues, I see no
indication that the DOGE team members who remain will slow down their work to test the legal and ethical
boundaries of using technology in the name of improving government services,” said Elizabeth Laird, a director
at the nonprofit Center for Democracy & Technology.
Despite claims of transparency,the Trump administration’s DOGE operates with limited public oversight. Many
staffers have deleted public profiles or been discouraged from discussing their work. The Supreme Court even
halted a court order requiring DOGE to release information to a government watchdog, raising concerns about
accountability.
The DOGE team at the Defense Department, primarily composed of tech startup founders and led by Yinon Weiss,
further illustrates the group’s composition. Weiss, a former Special Forces soldier, has advocated for increased
U.S. support for Israeli military operations.
A White House official defended DOGE, stating that bringing in outsiders was necessary to address stagnation
within the federal government. The official also asserted that there was “no need” for the public to know who
is in DOGE and denied any conflict-of-interest violations.
What’s next
As first-generation DOGE members leave and new ones join, scrutiny of their activities and potential conflicts
of interest is highly likely to continue. The long-term impact of their efforts to downsize the government remains to
be seen.