Senior Democrats are demanding an investigation into potential national security breaches stemming from Elon Musk’s “Doge” team’s unauthorized access to federal agency systems, including the OPM, Treasury, and USAID. Concerns focus on illegal access to classified information and sensitive personal data, with a lack of proper vetting for Musk’s operatives. A federal judge recently limited Doge’s access to the Treasury’s payment system following lawsuits alleging privacy violations. Growing bipartisan unease is evident, with even some Republicans expressing concern over Musk’s actions and influence.
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A French investigation into X (formerly Twitter) has been launched following a report alleging algorithm manipulation to skew online discourse. The Paris prosecutor’s office is examining claims of biased algorithms potentially distorting data processing, prompting initial technical checks. This action follows broader concerns regarding X’s content moderation practices since Elon Musk’s acquisition. The investigation coincides with a separate European Union inquiry into potential Digital Services Act violations, fueled by accusations of preferential treatment for far-right content. These investigations highlight growing scrutiny of X’s algorithmic practices and their potential impact on political discourse.
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Thirteen Democratic attorneys general announced their intent to sue Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to prevent its access to sensitive federal payment data. The lawsuit aims to protect citizen privacy and ensure continued funding for crucial programs, arguing that DOGE’s actions are unconstitutional and unlawful. A federal judge has temporarily limited DOGE’s access, granting only “read-only” permissions to two Musk allies. DOGE’s actions, including attempts to block payments to the U.S. Agency for International Development, have raised significant concerns about data security and potential disruptions to essential services.
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Marko Elez, a 25-year-old Department of Government Efficiency engineer with access to sensitive U.S. Treasury payment systems, resigned following scrutiny of racist and eugenicist social media posts. The now-deleted account, linked to Elez through archived posts and usernames, contained numerous offensive statements targeting various ethnic groups. His resignation followed inquiries from the Wall Street Journal and concerns from Capitol Hill lawmakers regarding his access to critical payment infrastructure. Elez previously worked for Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Starlink, and X.
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House Democrats are pushing for a comprehensive security probe into Elon Musk’s team following allegations of unauthorized access to sensitive government data. The investigation stems from concerns about a potential breach of national security and the possible misuse of confidential information.
This probe is not simply about a single incident; it speaks to a broader pattern of alleged actions by Musk’s team. Reports suggest that this team, allegedly comprised of individuals like Akash Bobba, Edward Coristine, Ethan Shaotran, Luke Farritor, Gautier Cole Killian, and Gavin Kliger, may have engaged in unauthorized access to various federal agencies’ computer systems. The concern is not just the access itself but the potential theft and subsequent use of the data obtained.… Continue reading
Elon Musk’s “deferred resignation” program, aimed at dismantling the federal workforce, has overwhelmingly failed due to low participation—less than 1% of federal employees accepted the offer. This scheme, orchestrated through Musk’s unauthorized Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), involves misleading promises of severance pay, legally questionable under current law. The program faces significant legal challenges, including a restraining order sought by the American Federation of Government Employees, and is projected to ultimately cost the government more in legal fees than savings. The attempt is particularly egregious given the high percentage of veterans employed in federal agencies and the lack of Congressional authorization for the payments.
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Tesla experienced a dramatic 59.5% decline in German sales during January 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, a sharp contrast to the overall German market’s 2.8% decrease. This substantial drop, mirroring similar trends across Europe, is attributed to the Model Y transition and negative public perception fueled by Elon Musk’s controversial actions. Overall European sales plummeted by 50.4% in January, indicating a broader issue beyond just production changes. The impact of this downturn on the wider EV market remains a significant concern.
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A federal judge temporarily halted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s access to sensitive Department of Labor (DOL) data following a lawsuit filed by a coalition of federal employee unions. The unions argued that DOGE’s demands, issued under threat of termination, jeopardized worker rights and privacy. This ruling, celebrated by union leaders, follows similar temporary restrictions placed on DOGE’s data access at other federal agencies, including the Treasury Department. The ongoing dispute highlights broader concerns regarding DOGE’s aggressive data acquisition and its potential for misuse.
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A Hart Research survey reveals a significant drop in public favorability towards Elon Musk, with unfavorable opinions rising to 63% after respondents learned about his influence, lack of oversight, and involvement with Dogecoin. This represents a nine-point increase from the survey’s start, while favorable opinions fell seven points to 32%. The shift was particularly pronounced among non-MAGA Republicans. Musk’s overall unpopularity suggests potential challenges for those, like Trump, who rely on his support.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood