21 Federal Workers Resign From Musk’s Government Efficiency Unit, Citing Data Security and Public Service Risks
A group of 21 civil servants resigned en masse on Tuesday, denouncing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for putting Americans’ data at risk and dismantling critical public services. Their departure follows mass layoffs and sweeping cuts to federal agencies, as Musk carries out Trump’s government downsizing initiative.
Why These Federal Workers Resigned
- The employees, formerly part of the U.S. Digital Service, wrote in a public letter to White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles that they could no longer uphold their constitutional oath under DOGE.
- They cited the recent firing of 40 staffers, who had been working on Social Security, veterans’ services, and disaster relief systems.
- Their letter warned that Musk’s actions jeopardize critical government functions and create significant security risks.
Musk’s Expanding Control and White House Response
- DOGE staffers have been deployed across federal agencies, gaining access to sensitive data systems in an effort to shrink or eliminate entire departments.
- Over the weekend, millions of federal workers received an email from the Office of Personnel Management demanding a weekly work report, with Musk suggesting noncompliance could result in termination.
- White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the resignations, stating: “Don’t let the door kick you on the way out.”
Legal and Ethical Concerns Over DOGE’s Authority
The resignations come amid legal challenges questioning whether Musk, as Trump’s senior adviser, has the authority to issue sweeping government directives. Pending litigation could determine the legality of his actions, as critics argue DOGE is prioritizing political loyalty over public service.
With Musk’s influence growing, the future of federal workforce restructuring remains uncertain, as resistance mounts from former officials and watchdog groups.
