Elon Musk Sparks Fear Among U.S. Federal Workers by Naming Them on X
Elon Musk, billionaire tech mogul and the newly appointed co-director of the forthcoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has come under fire for exposing federal employees to online harassment. Using X (formerly Twitter), the platform he owns, Musk has named individual government workers, sparking a wave of online attacks and raising concerns about the safety and morale of public servants.
This move follows the announcement that Musk will co-chair the DOGE alongside biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. The agency, part of an incoming Republican administration, aims to streamline government operations and cut costs, with proposals that include drastic reductions in the federal workforce.
Musk Targets Federal Employees
In a recent example, Musk singled out Ashley Thomas, a director of “climate diversity” at the U.S. International Development Financial Corporation. Calling her role “fake,” Musk’s post received 32 million views and triggered a torrent of ridicule and harassment. Memes mocking Thomas flooded X, alongside claims that her position would be eliminated under the new administration.
The backlash has drawn sharp criticism from federal workers’ advocates, who argue that Musk’s actions have crossed ethical boundaries. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), which represents roughly 800,000 federal workers, condemned the tactic.
“These actions aim to instil terror and fear among federal employees,” Kelley said. “It’s designed to make them afraid to speak up or perform their duties without bias or intimidation.”
A Troubling Precedent
This isn’t the first time Musk has used his platform to target individuals. After acquiring Twitter in 2022, he accused Yoel Roth, the company’s former head of trust and safety, of supporting inappropriate online content involving minors. Though the claim was false, it led to death threats against Roth, forcing him to temporarily leave his home.
Musk’s latest actions have reignited fears that his use of X could become a tool for public shaming under the guise of government reform. Critics argue that naming and ridiculing public servants undermines the professionalism and neutrality of the federal workforce.
The Role of the DOGE
The Department of Government Efficiency is tasked with identifying and implementing sweeping cuts to federal spending. Co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy has floated controversial ideas, including reducing the federal workforce by 75%. One particularly alarming suggestion involves firing employees based on random criteria, such as the odd or even digits of their Social Security numbers.
While Ramaswamy’s comments have been more generalised, Musk’s approach of targeting individuals has raised concerns about abuse of power and accountability.
Impact on Federal Employees
The federal workforce, which includes 2.3 million employees, is increasingly apprehensive about what these proposals could mean for their jobs and personal safety. Musk’s public naming of employees has drawn attention to their roles, making them vulnerable to harassment and potentially threatening their ability to work without prejudice.
Kelley emphasised that federal workers are ordinary citizens who perform vital functions for the country. “The people I represent have been labelled as part of the ‘deep state,’ but they are hard-working Americans just like you and me,” he said. “They deserve respect and protection, not public vilification.”
Concerns Over Free Speech and Safety
Musk’s critics warn that his tactics could stifle dissent and discourage federal employees from voicing concerns or exposing inefficiencies for fear of retribution. Some analysts suggest that these actions create a chilling effect, eroding trust between government employees and the public they serve.
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Musk and Ramaswamy, however, frame their actions as necessary steps to dismantle inefficiency and curb wasteful spending. Musk has not commented on the growing criticism but continues to post about government inefficiencies on X.
A Dangerous Trend?
As Musk wields his significant influence over social media and government reform, questions about ethics, accountability, and the limits of free speech loom large. Critics argue that naming individuals as part of a broader critique risks turning public servants into scapegoats, undermining morale and jeopardising their safety.
For now, federal employees remain in a precarious position, balancing their duties with concerns about their professional future and personal security. As Kelley aptly put it, “We want to clean up inefficiency too, but this is not the way to do it.”
Musk’s critics are watching closely, warning that his actions could set a dangerous precedent for how government officials are treated in the public eye.
