Young Engineers Power Musk's Controversial Government Takeover

Elon Musk’s ambitious takeover of federal infrastructure involves a group of young engineers, aged 19 to 24, primarily linked to his companies, as reported by WIRED. These individuals are assisting in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tasked with modernizing federal technology and enhancing governmental productivity.

Amid the takeover, concerns have emerged regarding the inexperience of these engineers, who lack significant government backgrounds. Notably, the team has already gained access to sensitive agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the General Services Administration (GSA), raising alarms about the potential misuse of data. “These actors are not really public officials gaining access to the most sensitive data in government,” stated Don Moynihan, a public policy professor at the University of Michigan.

Among the engineers are Akash Bobba and Edward Coristine, both early in their careers, with backgrounds involving internships at major tech firms. Reports indicate that some engineers have access to high-security clearances, suggesting possible dangers to national security protocols. Scholars warn that this situation reflects a concerning trend of technology executives exerting influence over government functions.