The Lawfare Podcast cover image

The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Daily: Andrew Bakaj on Whistleblowing and DOGE’s Activities at the NLRB

Apr 30, 2025
Andrew Bakaj, Chief Legal Counsel at Whistleblower Aid, shares insights on the alarming claims made by NLRB whistleblower Daniel Berulis regarding potential data breaches linked to DOGE. The discussion digs into the significance of whistleblower protections and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who expose wrongdoing in federal agencies. Bakaj highlights the challenges of ensuring accountability while maintaining confidentiality and emphasizes the need for independent investigations to protect national security. A compelling look into the world of whistleblowing!
34:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The alarming operations of DOGE at the NLRB raise serious questions about transparency and the potential for data breaches in government audits.
  • Whistleblower protections are crucial for encouraging accountability and safeguarding individuals like Daniel Berulis who expose misconduct in federal agencies.

Deep dives

The Role and Concerns Surrounding DOGE

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been scrutinized for its practices during visits to various federal agencies, including the NLRB. Their stated mission is to identify inefficiencies within government operations; however, concerns arise when their methods lack transparency and oversight. Reports indicate that during an unannounced visit to the NLRB, DOGE operated with minimal notification, creating user accounts internally while instructing staff to refrain from oversight. Such actions have raised alarms, as they cast doubt on the legitimacy of DOGE's audit intentions and suggest potential misuse of access to sensitive agency data.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner