Elon Musk’s Aides Take Control of Federal HR Systems, Raising Oversight Concerns

Elon Musk’s allies have taken control of federal HR systems, blocking career officials’ access to sensitive employee data. Concerns rise over cybersecurity, transparency, and oversight.

Musk’s Influence Extends into Federal Workforce Management

Aides associated with billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk have assumed control of key federal human resources systems, restricting access for career officials and prompting concerns about transparency, cybersecurity, and oversight. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM), responsible for managing the U.S. government’s 2.2 million civilian employees, has become a focal point of this controversial power shift.

According to agency insiders who spoke under the condition of anonymity, Musk’s appointees have locked out senior career officials from critical HR databases, including the Enterprise Human Resources Integration (EHRI) system. This database contains sensitive employee information such as Social Security numbers, salaries, home addresses, performance appraisals, and service records.

One senior official expressed alarm over the unprecedented move, stating, “We have no visibility into what they are doing with the data. It’s a massive cybersecurity risk.”

The Trump Administration’s Federal Workforce Overhaul

This upheaval comes just days into President Donald Trump’s second term, during which he has aggressively moved to downsize the federal workforce and install loyalists in key positions. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of X (formerly Twitter), has been tasked with streamlining government operations and eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies. However, his swift restructuring efforts have raised red flags about the future of nonpartisan civil service.

Reports indicate that senior career officials at OPM can still access emails and certain administrative functions but are locked out of large-scale datasets that provide a comprehensive view of the federal workforce. The lack of access has fueled concerns about whether Musk’s team is unilaterally reshaping hiring and firing practices without accountability.

A Radical Shift in Office Culture

Inside OPM’s headquarters, an unusual transformation is taking place. Employees report that Musk’s aides have brought in sofa beds, signaling an intent to work around the clock—an approach reminiscent of Musk’s management style at X and Tesla.

“It feels like a corporate takeover,” said one agency employee, referring to the rapid shifts in office culture.

Among those leading this charge is Brian Bjelde, a longtime Musk associate who previously served as SpaceX’s Vice President of Human Resources. Bjelde has assumed a senior advisory role at OPM, alongside other software engineers and former Musk employees.

The acting head of OPM, Charles Ezell, has issued memos across government agencies, offering federal employees buyouts and encouraging them to resign with up to eight months’ severance pay. The memos, described as unusually informal for government communications, have caught many career officials off guard.

“We’re learning about these policy changes at the same time as the public,” an official noted.

Concerns Over Cybersecurity and Oversight

The sudden and opaque changes have alarmed experts in public administration and cybersecurity. Don Moynihan, a professor at the Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, warned that the lack of transparency within OPM could have long-term consequences.

“When career officials lose access to personnel systems, it severely weakens oversight and opens the door to potential abuse,” Moynihan said.

The White House and OPM leadership have not issued detailed statements regarding the restrictions placed on career officials. Meanwhile, civil servants fear that the moves could lead to mass firings, restructured hiring policies, and significant disruptions to government operations.

Parallel Upheaval at the U.S. Treasury

The shake-up at OPM is not an isolated event. Musk’s allies have also reportedly exerted influence over the U.S. Treasury Department. According to recent reports, David Lebryk, a senior Treasury official, is set to step down after a dispute with Musk’s team regarding access to federal payment systems. The Washington Post reported that Musk’s associates had requested access to Treasury databases, raising further concerns about centralizing power in private hands.

The developments underscore Musk’s expanding influence in Washington, a presence that extends far beyond his role in technology and business.

What Comes Next?

With federal HR systems increasingly controlled by Musk’s team, the broader implications for the civil service remain uncertain. Lawmakers and oversight committees may push for greater transparency and accountability, but in the meantime, career government officials are left navigating an unprecedented restructuring of their agencies.

Cybersecurity risks, potential misuse of personnel data, and lack of oversight remain critical concerns. While some view Musk’s involvement as a necessary shake-up for a bloated bureaucracy, others warn that these moves threaten the stability and impartiality of the federal workforce.

For now, federal employees can do little more than wait and see what the next phase of this radical transformation will bring.

Elon Musk’s involvement in reshaping the U.S. government’s workforce has sparked a heated debate about transparency, oversight, and the role of private sector executives in public administration. As access to crucial HR systems remains restricted and civil servants face mounting uncertainty, the long-term impact of these changes is yet to be seen. Whether this restructuring will lead to greater efficiency or destabilize federal operations remains one of the most pressing questions in Washington today.

Source:  (Reuters)

(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and reports. The details may evolve as new information emerges. Readers are encouraged to refer to official government sources for the latest updates.)

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