President Trump has shown strong support for Elon Musk, praising him for uncovering fraud and corruption. However, a member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) resigned amidst controversy, with Musk polling his followers on whether the employee should be reinstated.
Congressional Democrats have protested against the actions of DOGE and Trump officials, while opponents have found success in the courts in halting some of DOGE’s orders. Despite limited transparency, details have emerged of DOGE’s efforts since Trump took office.
Key developments include the administration offering buyouts to federal workers and DOGE members gaining access to government agencies like the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Musk’s decision to shut down USAID led to legal challenges and a temporary restraining order preventing layoffs.
Moreover, there have been concerns raised regarding Musk’s influence over Federal Aviation Administration technologies. The situation remains fluid, with various stakeholders engaging in legal battles and protests to challenge the proposed changes.
“Swift upgrades to enhance safety,” exclaimed the billionaire on X. PHOTO: Individuals labor diligently within the air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 30, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)TreasuryThe Treasury Department granted Musk and DOGE access to the expansive federal payment system tasked with managing trillions of dollars in government expenditures. PHOTO: Demonstrators clutch placards outside the USAID building, closed to employees following a directive advising agency staff to work remotely, in Washington on Feb. 3, 2025. (Kent Nishimura/Reuters)Nevertheless, in response to legal action taken by three federal unions against this move, a federal judge ruled on Feb. 5 that read-only data should be provided to two DOGE employees. One of these employees was Elez, who tendered his resignation the next day.MORE: DOJ consents to the proposed order limiting DOGE’s access to Treasury dataDepartment of EducationDOGE secured access to the Department of Education, an entity that Trump has pledged to dismantle, despite such an action necessitating congressional approval, as per Democratic leaders. PHOTO: Democratic Members of Congress encounter blockades preventing entry into the Department of Education headquarters in Washington on Feb. 7, 2025. (ABC News)Senate Democrats announced on Friday the initiation of an investigation into reports of DOGE gaining access to federal student loan data. What you need to understand about Elon Musk’s government dismantling and the battle to impede him was originally featured on abcnews.go.com
