Meet the ‘nerd army’ of Elon Musk: Here is how the ‘Muskrats’ are shaking up US government agencies and the education system too

Meet the 'nerd army' of Elon Musk: Here is how the 'Muskrats' are shaking up US government agencies and the education system too
How Musk’s ‘Muskrats’ target US bureaucracy, with Education Department in their sights. (Getty Images)

In a bold move to tackle what he calls the bloated and inefficient US government, Elon Musk has enlisted a team of young, highly skilled tech experts, affectionately dubbed the “nerd army” and referred to as “Muskrats” by some critics. The handpicked group, composed of individuals with impressive resumes in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and financial modeling, has begun reshaping several federal agencies. Their mission? To streamline government processes and tackle waste, including within the Department of Education.
Among the members of Musk’s team is Akash Bobba, a 22-year-old UC Berkeley graduate with experience at companies like Meta, Palantir, and Bridgewater Associates. As reported by the TNN, this group of tech whizzes—ranging from ages 19 to 24—has sparked fear among Washington’s political establishment, as their expertise and high-profile backgrounds in firms such as Google, Tesla, SpaceX, and OpenAI make them formidable opponents to long-established bureaucratic norms.
Also read: How Luke Farritor went from decoding ancient scrolls to joining Musk-led DOGE
A new approach to government efficiency
Musk’s handpicked team is primarily focused on eliminating inefficiencies across various government agencies, such as the Department of Treasury, USAID, and the FBI. As quoted by the TNN, the team is zeroing in on scrutinizing government spending and reducing bloated departments. With a clear emphasis on efficiency, the Muskrats are working around the clock to bring a private-sector mindset to the public sector, challenging long-held government practices.
One of the key areas under scrutiny is the Department of Education, which, while not the main focus of the team, remains part of Musk’s broader agenda for streamlining the federal system. Critics have noted that educational programs, much like other government services, are often mired in inefficiencies, with too many layers of administration. The Muskrats believe that local control, rather than federal oversight, would lead to better resource allocation and outcomes. Critics argue that federal oversight has led to inefficiencies and excessive bureaucracy in an already overloaded system. While not a central focus, the Education Department is nonetheless a part of Musk’s ongoing efforts to reduce government red tape and drive more direct accountability.
Also read: Akash Bobba’s educational journey, the 22-year-old UC Berkeley grad making waves in Silicon Valley and Washington DC
As quoted by the TNN, Musk’s critics have called his actions an attempt to “dismantle” foundational institutions, but Musk and his team remain firm in their belief that the federal government, including the Department of Education, should operate with the efficiency of a private company. Musk has openly mocked the traditional bureaucratic structure, particularly its tendency to avoid work on weekends, as he drives his team to work through nights and weekends on restructuring efforts.
Targeting wasteful programs across the government
The Muskrats have extended their efforts to other critical areas, including foreign aid and government subsidies. Their mission to reshape federal spending has been met with both praise and criticism. Supporters believe that Musk’s team brings fresh ideas, while detractors worry about the implications of having a private-sector-driven approach infiltrate public administration.
Despite the pushback, the Muskrats remain undeterred, believing that a younger, more agile workforce is the key to transforming government institutions. As they continue their work, they are reshaping not just the future of education, but the broader scope of government efficiency, targeting outdated structures, and driving innovative solutions that challenge the status quo.

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