The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by President Donald Trump as a cost-cutting initiative, has been embroiled in controversy since its inception. While Elon Musk was initially presented as the face of this bold reform, ambiguity over his actual role has left many questioning who is truly in control.
Elon Musk’s Role: Adviser or Decision-Maker?
Despite being a high-profile advocate for government efficiency, Musk has been positioned as merely a senior adviser with no official title within DOGE. However, as sweeping budget cuts and layoffs continue to raise legal concerns, scrutiny over DOGE’s true leadership has intensified. The White House recently disclosed that Amy Gleason, a lesser-known bureaucrat, has been acting as the department’s administrator since its early days.
The Real Power Behind DOGE
While Gleason holds the official title, insiders suggest that she functions more as a figurehead than an actual decision-maker. Interviews with current and former government officials indicate that longtime Musk associate Steve Davis, formerly of SpaceX and The Boring Company, is directing daily operations. Furthermore, Musk is reportedly issuing commands from the Secretary of War Suite in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.
One anonymous source stated bluntly, “I don’t know who Amy Gleason even is. Davis runs the show.” Despite repeated inquiries, Musk, Davis, and Gleason have not commented on their roles within DOGE.
Legal and Ethical Concerns Surrounding DOGE’s Leadership
The Trump administration has taken measures to legally distance Musk from DOGE to avoid potential conflict of interest allegations. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang voiced concerns about the department’s structure, describing the lack of transparency as “highly suspicious.” Legal experts note that this arrangement could complicate efforts to hold Musk accountable for any violations of federal ethics laws.
In a Fox News interview, Musk dismissed conflict-of-interest concerns, stating, “I’ll recuse myself” if necessary. However, critics argue that his deep involvement in DOGE’s actions contradicts these reassurances.
Gleason’s Unexpected Appointment
The announcement of Amy Gleason as DOGE’s administrator was met with confusion. While the Trump administration claimed she had held the position from the beginning, sources reveal that she was unaware of her appointment while on vacation in Mexico. Moreover, her role appears to be limited, with insiders suggesting she has little control over DOGE’s aggressive budget cuts and restructuring.
A government official familiar with DOGE’s operations described Gleason as “someone with little to no actual decision-making authority.” Instead, she primarily oversees a small group of holdover technologists from the U.S. Digital Service (USDS), while the core DOGE team remains largely independent.
The Dual Structure of DOGE: Two Teams, Two Missions
DOGE’s operations are divided into two factions: the legacy USDS team focused on improving government technology, and a more influential group—primarily composed of Musk’s associates—tasked with budget reductions and access to sensitive federal data. The latter group has aggressively pushed cost-cutting measures that have impacted humanitarian programs and federal employment rates.
Over the past few weeks, many original USDS employees have resigned or been laid off, leaving only a fraction of technologists under Gleason’s purview. This bifurcated structure has further fueled uncertainty about who truly wields power within DOGE.
Musk’s Influence Extends Beyond DOGE
DOGE staff includes engineers, lawyers, and executives from Musk’s companies, such as SpaceX, Tesla, and Neuralink. Several individuals have been assigned to federal agencies that oversee industries where Musk has significant business interests. Notably, former Tesla lawyer Daniel Abrahamson has been linked to the Department of Transportation, which is currently investigating Tesla’s safety record.
Additionally, ethics waivers have been granted to SpaceX engineers working within DOGE, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. SpaceX and Verizon are reportedly vying for a lucrative $2.4 billion Federal Aviation Administration contract, though Musk’s company has denied any undue influence.
What’s Next for DOGE?
Despite the growing controversy, Musk remains a vocal advocate for DOGE’s objectives. “The people voted for major government reform,” he stated, “and that’s what the people are going to get.” However, with mounting legal challenges, internal disputes, and a lack of clear leadership, the future of DOGE remains uncertain.
As investigations into DOGE’s operations continue, questions persist about who is truly in charge—and whether this unprecedented government overhaul will deliver on its promises or collapse under its own weight.
