Government Efficiency Department Decision Sparks Controversy
The Department of Government Efficiency's cost-cutting measures have sparked controversy, leading to social media threats against its employees. Elon Musk addresses the backlash as DOGE faces political criticism.
The 'Outnumbered' panelists discuss the Department of Government Efficiency's decision to slim down the government and overhaul USAID.
An employee of Boston University, Jared May, reportedly stated that staff working for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are "wanted for treason, dead or alive." May, who identified online as an assistant media technician at Boston University, shared a graphic on the social media platform Bluesky, which included photos of several young men allegedly employed by DOGE, accompanied by the text, "WANTED FOR TREASON, DEAD OR ALIVE."
DOGE, led by Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla Inc., aims to streamline government efficiency and cut waste. This initiative aligns with a campaign promise made by President Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election.
In addition to the graphic, May's caption listed the names of the individuals pictured.
A Boston University representative remarked, "We are aware of a post made by an employee on his personal social media account.... We do not comment on personnel matters. The views expressed do not reflect the values of Questrom School of Business."
May's staff webpage at Boston University appears to have been removed, and the university did not respond promptly to a request for comment.
In response to May's Bluesky post, Musk tweeted, "Noted," adding that May had committed a crime.
The DOGE initiative faces criticism from Democrats as it targets government spending. New York Senator Chuck Schumer criticized the group on social media, claiming, "An unelected shadow government is conducting a hostile takeover of the federal government." He further stated that DOGE lacks the authority for decision-making in spending and program shutdowns.
Musk defended the mission against backlash, stating, "Hysterical reactions like this is how you know that @DOGE is doing work that really matters."
