Following a forceful takeover by DOGE, the acting president, a former GSA staffer, seeks to transfer USIP’s $500 million headquarters building to the GSA at no cost. This action, supported by high-ranking administration officials, is part of a broader effort to dismantle the agency, according to former USIP officials who have filed a lawsuit to prevent the asset transfer. A court hearing will determine the fate of the building, with a broader ruling on the lawsuit expected soon. The legality of this action and the Trump administration’s involvement are central to the ongoing legal dispute.
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A WIRED investigation contradicts Elon Musk’s assertion that Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees receive zero compensation, revealing that several key figures earn six-figure salaries via the General Services Administration (GSA). These salaries, ranging from $120,500 to $195,200 annually, include those working on projects like dismantling USAID and restructuring the GSA. This contrasts sharply with DOGE’s initial recruitment claims and its now $40 million budget. The situation raises concerns about transparency and potential conflicts of interest given Musk’s substantial personal wealth and his companies’ history of receiving significant government funding.
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The Trump administration is dismantling the federal government’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure by deactivating approximately 8,000 charging stations across all federal buildings. This action follows an internal directive classifying the charging stations as “not mission-critical.” Consequently, the General Services Administration (GSA) plans to divest itself of its recently acquired EV fleet, with the method of disposal currently undetermined. The administration has also removed the GSA’s fleet electrification webpage from online access.
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Elon Musk’s associates, including former employees from his companies and even college students, have assumed significant roles within the General Services Administration (GSA). This team, some of whom were involved in Musk’s Twitter takeover, is implementing drastic cost-cutting measures, aiming for a 50 percent reduction in GSA spending. Concerns have arisen regarding their access to sensitive government data and systems, including potential use of White House security credentials, raising serious security risks. The group’s actions are perceived by some GSA employees as a corporate takeover rather than service to the American public.
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President-elect Trump’s transition team submitted an ethics plan seemingly omitting provisions addressing his own conflicts of interest, a notable oversight given his past and recent business ventures. The plan, while largely complying with the Presidential Transition Act, requires team members, but not Trump himself, to avoid conflicts of interest and safeguard sensitive information. This omission raises concerns, especially considering his new cryptocurrency venture and other recent business dealings. Despite delays in signing agreements with the White House and GSA, the team’s signing of the White House agreement is a positive step towards facilitating information sharing. However, the lack of a GSA agreement raises concerns about secure communication and access to federal resources.
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John Q. Hosedrinker