Elon Musk’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly using artificial intelligence to monitor federal employees’ communications for signs of “anti-Trump” or “anti-Musk” sentiment, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The revelation has sparked fierce backlash from ethics experts, who warn that the surveillance could be an unprecedented abuse of government power—raising concerns about privacy, free speech, and political targeting.
AI Surveillance Inside Federal Agencies
Sources say DOGE, a Trump-era initiative led by Musk to “streamline” government operations, is deploying AI tools—including Musk’s own Grok chatbot—to scan employee communications on platforms like Microsoft Teams.
At the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), managers were allegedly warned that DOGE’s AI was tracking language deemed hostile to Trump or Musk, according to two insiders. One manager reportedly told staff:
“Be careful what you say, what you type, and what you do.”
The EPA later denied using AI for personnel decisions but did not explicitly refute claims of employee monitoring.
Secretive Operations & Legal Concerns
DOGE’s methods have drawn scrutiny for lack of transparency:
- Using Signal App: Employees are allegedly communicating via Signal, where messages can disappear—potentially violating federal record-keeping laws.
- Bypassing Standard Procedures: Some staff are reportedly collaborating in Google Docs instead of official government systems, speeding up work but skipping vetting processes.
- Ignoring FOIA Requests: A federal judge recently ordered DOGE to release records after a watchdog sued, but no documents have been handed over.
“If they’re using Signal and not backing up messages, they’re acting unlawfully,” said Kathleen Clark, a government ethics expert.
Musk’s Vision: AI Replacing Government Workers?
Musk has long advocated for AI-driven government efficiency, even suggesting that AI could replace federal employees. One source familiar with his thinking said:
“The concept was that AI could ‘do the work’ by automating tasks currently handled by humans.”
Critics, however, argue that DOGE is purging nonpartisan civil servants and replacing them with Trump loyalists—raising fears of politicized governance.
What Happens Next?
With DOGE embedding itself in key agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), concerns are growing over:
- Data Security: OPM staff have reportedly been locked out of sensitive databases, leaving only two people in control.
- Mass Firings: The EPA has already placed 600 employees on leave, with plans to slash 65% of its budget.
- Legal Challenges: Courts may soon force DOGE to operate more transparently—if it complies.
Is this the future of government efficiency, or a dangerous overreach?
