DOGE staffer resigns after racist posts surface online
- Marko Elez faced scrutiny due to his history of racist social media posts, including support for eugenics.
- His resignation followed an inquiry by The Wall Street Journal, which led to concerns over the safety of Treasury's sensitive information.
- The incident has raised questions about hiring practices and oversight in governmental departments.
In early February 2025, Marko Elez, a programmer granted access to the U.S. Treasury's sensitive payment system, resigned following public scrutiny regarding his racist social media history. His posts included support for eugenics and derogatory remarks directed at Indian immigrants in the tech sector. The situation escalated when The Wall Street Journal raised questions with the White House, prompting press secretary Karoline Leavitt to confirm Elez's resignation. The U.S. Treasury had previously authorized Elez and another official to access personal and financial data, raising serious concerns about data security and the integrity of government operations. Elez, a former employee at SpaceX and X, was one of the two staffers from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to receive special access to Treasury systems, allowing him potential control over federal payments. This ability became a focal point of contention, especially amidst an ongoing legal battle concerning the department's influence and potential overreach. Federal Judge issued a temporary restraining order limiting this access due to fears about illegal actions that could be taken based on Elez's prior privileges. The exposure of Elez's views, which included statements advocating for immigration policies based on eugenics and inciting hatred against specific ethnic groups, sparked widespread backlash. Media outlets and social media users criticized the appointment, citing the risks associated with allowing individuals with such ideologies access to sensitive government systems. The situation also raised questions about recruitment practices within the Department of Government Efficiency and the oversight mechanisms in place for staff members given access to critical data. In the wake of Elez's resignation, various organizations and advocacy groups called for a deeper investigation into DOGE's operations and oversight. Elected officials expressed concern regarding the impact of such hires on national policy and the possible manipulation of the Treasury's functions. This incident not only highlighted the influence of private individuals in public service administration but also served as a cautionary tale about personnel vetting processes, especially when access to national security information is at stake.