Elon Musk’s Shadow Government? DOGE Sparks Constitutional Crisis
Elon Musk, with the backing of President Donald Trump, has taken unprecedented control over key federal agencies through a newly formed office known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite never being elected or confirmed for a government role, Musk has gained access to sensitive Treasury Department data and other federal systems, prompting concerns from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. "It’s a potential constitutional crisis," said Brian Riedl of the conservative Manhattan Institute. Critics argue that Musk's influence extends far beyond traditional government oversight, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warning, “If DOGE attacks USAID today, then you can be sure they’ll move on to another target tomorrow.”
In a whirlwind effort to slash spending and consolidate power, Musk has deployed a team of young engineers—some as young as 19—to analyze and restructure government operations. His actions have already led to the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters and put thousands of federal employees on furlough. Reports indicate that DOGE staff, many without proper security clearances, have been granted access to government databases and financial records. The secrecy surrounding DOGE's operations has only fueled suspicions, with Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., stating, “An unelected, unaccountable billionaire... is hijacking our nation’s most sensitive financial data systems and its checkbook.” Musk, however, defends his actions, claiming that DOGE is exposing and eliminating wasteful government spending, including what he called a dubious $50 million allocation for condoms in Gaza—an assertion debunked by the Associated Press.
Despite mounting legal and ethical concerns, Trump has doubled down on his support for Musk’s initiative, insisting, “Elon can’t do and won’t do anything without our approval.” However, DOGE’s unchecked power raises fundamental constitutional questions. Congress controls federal spending, and high-level government appointees are subject to Senate confirmation—except, it seems, for Musk. The administration has refused to disclose the full list of DOGE employees or clarify their authority, adding to fears that Musk is running a "shadow government" with no accountability. As Democrats and some Republicans push back, the fate of DOGE—and its impact on the federal government—remains uncertain.
Source: NBC News