Since Donald Trump began his second term as President of the United States, the Department of Education has faced mounting challenges. Now, its very existence has been called into question—not officially, but according to tech mogul Elon Musk.
The Trump administration recently established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a cost-cutting agency led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Since its formation, DOGE has put hundreds of federal officials on leave, gained access to sensitive federal payment systems, and spearheaded efforts to restructure—or even shutter—certain federal agencies.
Reports suggest that DOGE has already begun asserting control over the Department of Education. Allegedly, DOGE officials have gained access to “administrator” email accounts within the department, raising alarm among lawmakers, activists, and watchdog groups.
Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost was among those who condemned the move. Taking to his official X account (formerly Twitter), he expressed his outrage. He tweeted, ‘They are blocking members of Congress from entering the Department of Education! Elon is allowed in and not the people? ILLEGAL!’
In response, Musk dismissed the claim, replying: “No such department exists in the federal government.”
The rapid deployment of Musk’s aides across multiple federal agencies has raised concerns among lawmakers, watchdog groups, and federal officials. Many worry that his team has gained access to sensitive information and is orchestrating a purge of government employees.
At a White House press conference on Friday, NBC News questioned Trump about allegations that Musk and DOGE’s sweeping staff cuts might be unlawful. Trump defended the approach, emphasizing that the Education Department was a priority for Musk. “He will be looking at education pretty quickly,” Trump said in a statement, reports NBC News.
According to NBC News, Akash Bobba and Ethan Shaotran—both 22 years old and identified as DOGE members—have been granted administrator-level access to the department’s email system, potentially allowing them to access sensitive information. Trump has backed Musk and his team in their efforts to uncover what he claims are “hundreds of billions of dollars” lost to fraud and abuse within the agency.
With the Education Department seemingly in turmoil and DOGE expanding its influence, concerns continue to mount over the extent of Musk’s authority within the federal government.
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