kottke.org

How Elon Musk Executed His Takeover of the Federal Bureaucracy

Elon Musk gained significant control over the US government, starting with a proposition at a Republican fundraiser. His goal was to overhaul the federal bureaucracy, viewing it as a technological challenge. He leveraged his experience overhauling Twitter, focusing on gaining server access. Musk sought direct access to government computers, aiming to restructure the government's systems. He utilized the US Digital Service, a little-known unit, to achieve this goal. Conservative operatives, including Stephen Miller and Russell Vought, aided Musk's efforts. This operation began before Biden left office, allowing for immediate action under Trump. Musk's team swiftly made significant changes, including dismissing employees and dismantling agencies. Trump, flattered by Musk's support, granted him considerable autonomy. The situation escalated rapidly, with Musk now effectively controlling a vast portion of the US government. Legal challenges are underway but may be insufficient to reverse the changes.
favicon
kottke.org
kottke.org