Trump-Musk Feud Raises Political Risks for DOGE Staff Amid Agency Shakeup

The public feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk has created significant uncertainty and anxiety among staff members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the quasi-governmental entity Musk established to reduce federal government size and inefficiency. DOGE employees worry that the deteriorating relationship could lead to political retaliation, including potential firings, as Musk and Trump exchange sharp criticisms on social media, with Trump threatening to cut Musk's government contracts. Several high-profile Musk allies have already left the administration, while remaining personnel are concerned about their professional futures and are exploring new job opportunities, including at companies like Coinbase that have opened hiring portals for former DOGE workers. Despite the tensions, senior White House adviser Peter Navarro asserted that DOGE's mission to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in government will continue unaffected by the Musk-Trump dispute. The White House maintains that DOGE's work is embedded at all government levels, but internal fears persist among personnel about being targeted amidst the fallout. This conflict underscores the fragile nature of Musk's influence within the administration and the challenges faced by those aligned with his government efficiency initiatives.