- EPA rejects accusations that DOGE is monitoring employees for anti-Trump or anti-Musk statements using AI, labeling them as unsubstantiated.
- It is led by Elon Musk, aims to cut government inefficiency but faces criticism for poor oversight and several lawsuits.
- Accusations are raising questions regarding worker privacy and it’s increasing control of federal agencies such as the EPA.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on April 9, 2025, strongly rejected a report claiming that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under Elon Musk was utilizing artificial intelligence to snoop on the communications of federal employees for anti President Donald Trump or Musk statements.
The EPA labeled the accusations completely false as it does not monitor phone calls, meetings, or calendars. However, the report has raised concerns about privacy and it’s growing power over federal agencies.
After speaking to 20 people close to the situation, Reuters has reported that officials within the Trump administration told federal employees that it was checking messages, even on platforms like Microsoft Teams, for any negative comments about Trump or Musk.
Another EPA source said employees were warned to be careful about what they write or say. Newsweek couldn’t confirm these claims, and the EPA strongly denied them, raising doubts about DOGE’s actions.
DOGE’s Role and Objectives
DOGE is an advisory body established by Trump to lower government expenditure through waste identification. Chaired by Musk, who leads Tesla and SpaceX and is one of Trump’s most important backers, it seeks to employ technology to make the government better.
Criticisms aside, critics state DOGE operates with minimal regulation, potentially undermining the autonomy of entities such as the EPA. The EPA is now collaborating with it. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin reported in March that they halted more than $2 billion in diversity and environmental program grants. Zeldin further added that the EPA employees backing DOGE are dedicated public servant.
Legal and Privacy Concerns
The spying allegations have raised issues about employee privacy and whether federal employment is being politicized to an excessive degree. Some, such as Senator Bernie Sanders, have condemned Musk’s influence, stating in March that Musk is attempting to remake the government with Trump’s support.
Source: Eric Geller
Others support DOGE, claiming it’s necessary to combat inefficiencies and what Trump refers to as the deep state, meaning government employees he feels are against his agenda. Meanwhile, it faces legal challenges, including a February lawsuit from 14 state officials claiming DOGE lacks authority to change agencies without Congress’s approval, violating appointment rules.
DOGE’s activities come under growing examination. Courts and oversight agencies are demanding clearer boundaries on what it can and cannot do, which may influence its future.
In the meantime, the EPA maintains the allegations of monitoring are false, yet controversy rages over it’s tactics and their effect on federal employees. The next several months will more than likely demonstrate whether DOGE can continue working or if lawful and ethical objections will prompt revisions.
Also Read: Elon Musk Rejects Government Ties to DOGE Memecoin
