Elon Musk Targets Federal Employees, Sparking Fear and Uncertainty

Elon Musk, tasked by President-elect Donald Trump with recommending federal government cuts alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, has ignited controversy by publicly naming government employees he believes should be removed. This move has left many federal workers fearful for their jobs and personal safety.

Last week, Musk reposted two social media posts revealing the names and titles of individuals holding relatively obscure climate-related government positions. These posts, viewed tens of millions of times, subjected the individuals to widespread online harassment. At least one of the women named has since deleted her social media accounts.

Although the information Musk shared is publicly accessible, these targeted posts brought unwanted attention to employees who typically operate behind the scenes. Federal workers expressed concerns to CNN that Musk’s actions might lead to threats against their safety or even force them out of their roles, aligning with his goal of shrinking the federal workforce without undergoing proper reviews.

“These tactics are aimed at sowing terror and fear among federal employees,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents over 800,000 civilian federal workers. Kelley emphasized that such actions discourage employees from speaking out and performing their duties effectively.

Musk’s targeting of individuals isn’t unprecedented. He has a history of singling out people he believes oppose him or his goals. Mary “Missy” Cummings, an engineering and computer science professor at George Mason University, faced similar harassment after Musk criticized her during her tenure at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Cummings noted that this tactic is Musk’s way of intimidating individuals and warning others in government agencies.

The backlash highlights the broader implications of Musk’s involvement in federal restructuring. By targeting employees directly, Musk not only disrupts their lives but also instills fear across federal agencies. Critics argue that such actions undermine the morale and functionality of the government workforce.

As Trump’s administration prepares to implement major changes, the fallout from Musk’s public attacks raises questions about the ethical and practical implications of using social platforms to influence government operations. For now, federal employees remain on edge, uncertain about who might become Musk’s next target.