Elon Musk has long been a disruptive force in industries like space exploration, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence. However, his growing influence on the U.S. government’s technology sector is raising eyebrows. Recent changes at the Technology Transformation Services (TTS) within the General Services Administration (GSA) illustrate the dramatic—and polarizing—impact of Musk-inspired strategies on public service.
Controversy erupted following the appointment of Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla software engineer and staunch Musk supporter, as the new TTS director. Shedd was installed under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an agency established to streamline federal operations. DOGE’s principles align with Musk’s ethos of cost-cutting and efficiency. However, many see the implementation of these ideals as chaotic, with potentially harmful consequences.
Immediately after his appointment, Shedd introduced unorthodox management practices. TTS employees were blindsided by “surprise reviews,” where they were expected to present project details without preparation or access to supporting documents. Such sessions featured non-credentialed attendees, including Edward Coristine, an 18-year-old former Neuralink intern with no government experience. These irregular practices unnerved federal employees, especially those managing sensitive inter-agency technology and critical infrastructure.
“It felt like they were setting us up to fail,” said one TTS staffer, speaking under anonymity. Employees expressed concerns that these abrupt changes weakened project oversight and increased risks of data breaches or misuse. Although Shedd reassured teams about data security, the lack of formal oversight left many skeptical.
The turmoil didn’t end there. DOGE, rebranded under Musk’s operational vision, imposed similar reviews across other federal tech entities like the U.S. Digital Service. In addition, reports surfaced of personnel using personal laptops and untrained individuals overseeing sensitive tasks. These developments have sparked fears of data weaponization or political exploitation, as well as diminished trust in federally managed digital systems.
Further compounding the issue, DOGE rolled back Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives across the GSA. Key programs like the Diversity Guild meetings and DEIA-specific communications channels were abruptly canceled. For many employees, this marked a cultural shift that sidelined inclusivity in favor of Musk’s efficiency-centric philosophy. “This isn’t just about doing more with less; it’s about dismantling programs that foster collaboration and innovation,” noted one critic.
Musk has reportedly taken a personal interest in these developments, staying overnight at DOGE’s Washington, D.C., offices and visiting GSA headquarters. While hands-on leadership may fuel success in private industry, critics argue it clashes with the steady, methodical approach required in federal governance. They also question whether Musk’s influence compromises national security by upending long-standing norms in public service.
The ripple effects extend beyond operational turmoil. Federal employees in affected agencies report growing uncertainty and eroded morale. “We’re doing critical work under immense pressure while contending with constant disruptions from above,” said a source close to TTS operations.
Key figures involved in this transformation include Amanda Scales, a former xAI staffer serving as chief of staff at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Scales allegedly directed inexperienced personnel like Coristine in scrutinizing the work of senior federal employees. Meanwhile, Noah Kunin, co-founder of 18F and a vocal advocate for federal digital transformation, has warned that these changes risk unraveling decades of progress.
The broader implications of these developments remain uncertain. Many experts fear the privatization and politicization of vital government functions, particularly concerning sensitive federal technology systems. The collision of Silicon Valley’s fast-paced ethos with the measured structure of public service has raised critical questions about governance, accountability, and security.
As Musk’s influence continues to be a hot-button topic, federal technology teams find themselves at a crossroads. Whether these changes lead to improved efficiency or widespread dysfunction remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the government tech landscape has been thrust into a state of upheaval.
The coming months will reveal the long-term consequences of these Musk-inspired strategies. For now, agencies like TTS navigate an uneasy balance between innovation and chaos, leaving employees and experts alike bracing for what’s next.
