Additional Coverage:
- Elon Musk could become a ‘special government employee’ as a co-lead of DOGE. Here’s what that means. (newsbreak.com)
President-elect Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will soon be led by Elon Musk and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
Some unpaid DOGE staff, including potentially Musk, may be classified as “special government employees” (SGEs). SGEs have relaxed conflict of interest rules compared to regular federal employees.
This designation has raised concerns among government watchdogs and Democratic politicians due to Musk’s potential conflicts of interest with his businesses. Senator Elizabeth Warren has expressed concerns about Musk’s influence on government contracts and regulations without proper safeguards.
Musk’s significant financial support for Trump in the 2024 election has further heightened these concerns.