Wired reveals six-figure salaries for DOGE staffers amidst spending cuts

On March 4, 2025, a report by Wired uncovered that certain employees working for the Department of Government Efficiency initiative, purportedly aimed at cutting government spending, are making substantial salaries exceeding $100,000 per year. This revelation sparked controversy, as the initiative claims to function without salaries for its employees. Jeremy Lewin, reportedly earning over $167,000 annually, was identified among these staffers. His role involves significant interactions with various government agencies, and he falls under the General Services Administration’s classification of federal employees, which dictates salary structures based on grade and step. The findings pose serious questions regarding the initiative's accountability, given its stated goal of reducing government expenditures. Elon Musk, generally recognized as the face of DOGE, announced this initiative in late 2024. Musk and others within the initiative are classified as "special government employees"; although some do not appear to draw a salary, it remains unclear how many are benefitting financially from these positions. This contrast suggests possible inconsistencies in the operational objectives versus the actual financial remuneration of the initiative’s staff. Observers are keenly awaiting responses from relevant authorities who handle these claims, especially since Wired's findings align with previous reports from The New York Times. The salaries, as reported, would suggest that compliance with federal pay regulations is merely a facade that maintains the integrity of the initiative while reinforcing the financial practices that seem contrary to its mission.