Elon Musk's team aids DOJ in pushing for budget cuts
- The Department of Justice in the United States has established a new internal team to work with Elon Musk's DOGE group.
- The team will focus on identifying cost-saving measures within the DOJ, potentially leading to significant changes in personnel and programs.
- This collaboration has stirred concerns about Musk's increasing influence over federal agencies and its effects on public service.
In the United States, Attorney General Pam Bondi has recently established a team named JUST DOGE at the Department of Justice to collaborate with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. This initiative aims to identify cost-saving measures within the agency's various divisions. The formation of this team was communicated through an email from Assistant Attorney General Jolene Ann Lauria to leaders within the DOJ. The team is composed solely of senior DOJ officials tasked with overseeing internal budget reviews and spotting potential efficiencies, reflecting Musk's operational influence within federal agencies. The JUST DOGE team's structure comprises notable DOJ figures like AAG Lauria, Associate Deputy Attorney General James McHenry, and several others who will manage human resources, procurement, financial management, and data and IT. Concerns have arisen among some DOJ employees regarding the potential aggressive budget cuts that could result from this collaboration, with fears of Musk's personnel slashing department personnel and programs. The DOJ spokesperson has indicated that this initiative aligns with broader efforts to eliminate wasteful spending and align the department's resources with public safety goals. This collaboration comes amid criticism of Elon Musk's expanding influence over federal operations, characterized by substantial cuts to federal workers through the Department of Government Efficiency. Following these decisions, Musk faced backlash as Tesla's stock plummeted, leading to protests against the company. The political climate surrounding Musk has intensified as Republican lawmakers express their support for his interests, including proposals to investigate incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla infrastructure as potential acts of domestic terrorism. With the establishment of the JUST DOGE team, critics are split regarding its implications. Some view it as a means for DOJ leadership to retain control over Musk's influence, while others fear diminished agency effectiveness and possible staff reductions. The interaction between Musk's representatives and the Justice Department significantly raises concerns about the role of this informal collaboration within the government and its potential effects on the integrity and operations of the DOJ.