Los Angeles, California – As the newly appointed co-lead of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) advisory group, Elon Musk has wasted no time in using his platform to call out government employees for what he believes is unnecessary government spending. The tech billionaire has taken to social media to single out individuals, sparking controversy and online backlash in the process.

One instance involved Musk sharing a screenshot highlighting the role of Ashley Thomas, the Director of Climate Diversification at the US International Development Finance Corporation, questioning the need for taxpayers to fund her position. This move by Musk has garnered millions of views online and prompted a wave of memes and harassment towards Thomas, who has since made her social media accounts private.

Critics have raised concerns about Musk’s actions, citing a pattern of behavior where he uses his influence to intimidate and harass individuals. This includes previous incidents where Musk has attacked individuals online, such as calling a caver a “pedo guy” and criticizing a former Twitter executive. Despite facing backlash, Musk has defended his actions as exercising his right to free speech.

Musk’s new role in the DOGE advisory group alongside co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy has raised questions about the approach they will take in promoting government efficiency. By conducting much of their work in public and engaging with followers through social media polls, Musk and Ramaswamy are likely to continue scrutinizing government employees and practices in the public eye.

The use of social media platforms like X as a tool to amplify personal views and target individuals in the public sector underscores the power wielded by figures like Musk. While Musk’s actions may be perceived as controversial, they shed light on the intersection of technology, politics, and public discourse in the digital age. Moving forward, how leaders like Musk navigate this space will impact not only public perception but also the dynamics of government accountability and transparency.