Controversial DOGE Staffer Resigns After Racist Posts Resurface, Musk Considers Rehiring

USUnited States|

Marko Elez, a top engineer at Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), resigned following the resurfacing of his social media posts that promoted anti-Indian sentiments, sparking widespread outrage. Among the controversial remarks was a call to “normalise Indian hate,” made in a now-deleted post from September 2024, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Elez, who previously worked as a software engineer at X and SpaceX, had significant access to sensitive data while collaborating with the U.S. Treasury Department. His resignation followed reports that the White House had been informed about his inflammatory comments.

In a surprising twist, Musk launched a poll on his social media platform, X, to gauge public opinion on possibly rehiring Elez, asking, “Bring back @DOGE staffer who made inappropriate statements?” Despite the backlash, Musk's poll allowed for responses of "yes" or "no."

Elez's comments also included derogatory remarks about H-1B visa holders and calls for a eugenic immigration policy, raising further concerns about his previous position and influence within government programs.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Helicopter Crash in Hudson River Claims Six Lives, Including Siemens CEO and Family

A tragic helicopter crash in the Hudson River on April 10, 2025, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including Agustín Escobar, the president and CEO of Siemens in Spain, his wife, and their three children. According to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the incident occurred around 3:17 p.m. near the New Jersey coastline at Pier A Park in Hoboken. New York Police Department Commissioner Jessica Tisch reported that four victims died at the scene, while two others were transported to a local hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Witnesses reported multiple 911 calls regarding the crash, and videos shared on social media captured moments before and during the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identified the downed aircraft as a Bell 206L-4 LongRanger IV, manufactured in 2004 with an airworthiness certificate issued in 2016. Adams expressed condolences, stating, “Our hearts go out to the family of those who were on board.” Former President Donald Trump commented on the tragedy via his social media platform, acknowledging the loss of lives and offering support to the victims' families.
USUnited States

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Advocates for "De-Extinction" of Species

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum recently voiced support for "de-extinction" technology following the creation of three dire wolf puppies by Colossal Biosciences. In a post on social media, he emphasized the potential benefits of such innovation for wildlife conservation and biodiversity, stating that the Endangered Species List resembles "Hotel California," where species, once listed, never leave. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 currently includes over 1,300 species at risk of extinction in the U.S., according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Burgum argued for a shift in focus from regulation to innovation, advocating for advancements in genetic engineering to bolster recovery efforts for endangered species. He expressed a desire for a future where the list becomes redundant due to successful species revival. Colossal’s CEO, Ben Lamm, highlighted that the dire wolf project utilizes DNA from ancient remains, illustrating the far-reaching implications of such biotechnology in conservation efforts. Beyond the dire wolf, Colossal aims to also revive the woolly mammoth and other extinct species, redefining approaches to environmental challenges.
USUnited States

Woman Sues DNA Labs for Emotional Distress After Abortion Due to Paternity Testing Error

A 28-year-old woman from Yonkers, New York, is suing two DNA testing laboratories following a paternity testing error that she claims led her to terminate her pregnancy, causing emotional distress and the end of her long-term relationship. According to The New York Post, the woman alleged that Winn Health Labs in the Bronx and DNA Diagnostics Center in Ohio provided misleading results, which indicated that her unborn child was fathered by another man. The woman, who requested anonymity, stated she was devastated to learn she was carrying what she believed to be her fiancé's child but later sought testing due to concerns over a brief encounter with another man. After paying over $1,000 for multiple tests, she received results showing an almost certain paternity from the other man, leading her to proceed with an abortion at nearly 20 weeks gestation, just before New York's legal limit. On Valentine's Day, months later, the DNA Diagnostics Center contacted her to admit the results were incorrect due to an "IT error." Her attorney questioned the significant delay in correcting such a serious mistake, highlighting potential regulatory issues in DNA testing practices.
USUnited States