Fear and Loathing at the Department of Energy

May 9, 2025

Maeve Allsup, a founding reporter at Latitude Media, dives into the tumult gripping the Department of Energy. She discusses the alarming talent drain, likening it to a 'hostile takeover' that's left critical positions unfilled. With seasoned experts replaced by inexperienced appointees, important infrastructure projects hang in limbo. Allsup and her guests explore how this disruption jeopardizes America's energy strategy and the long-term consequences for innovation in the sector, including potential delays in crucial manufacturing investments.

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INSIGHT

DOE Transition Chaos

The DOE transition has been chaotic with poor communication internally and externally.
Companies seeking funding face confusion and uncertainty about their projects' statuses.

ANECDOTE

Young Leader Without Energy Expertise

A 21-year-old former SpaceX intern without energy background was appointed to lead DOE projects.
Experienced staff reported to unqualified appointees, causing frustration and distrust.

INSIGHT

Mass Exodus Amid Layoffs

Rapid layoffs caused mass exodus of mid-career DOE staff amid unclear future.
Remaining staff face lack of leadership and project direction, worsening morale.

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The Department of Energy is losing talent at an alarming rate. Described by insiders as a "hostile takeover," the agency's transformation under Trump has pushed out thousands of scientists, engineers, and policy experts. What's left behind are gutted offices, stalled infrastructure projects, and billions in funding commitments thrown into question.

This isn't a typical government transition — it's a systematic dismantling of America's energy brain trust.

This week, we're joined by Latitude Media founding reporter Maeve Allsup, who has been breaking news on the transformation underway at DOE. Together with Jigar Shah, who ran the DOE's Loan Programs Office during the Biden administration, and policy expert Katherine Hamilton, we examine the real-world consequences of this agency-wide upheaval.

The chaotic transition has left companies in the dark about billions in committed funding. Meanwhile, career civil servants with decades of technical expertise find themselves reporting to appointees with little relevant experience — in one case, a 21-year-old former SpaceX intern with no energy background.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright outlines nine pillars for "American energy dominance" including nuclear expansion, grid strengthening, and critical minerals development. Yet the offices responsible for executing these priorities are being decimated.

The long-term consequences could be severe: manufacturing investments delayed or canceled, critical scientific talent fleeing to other countries, and a fundamental erosion of trust in government as a reliable partner for energy development. We examine what this means for America's ability to compete globally in energy innovation and infrastructure development.

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Credits: Co-hosted by Stephen Lacey, Jigar Shah, and Katherine Hamilton. Produced and edited by Stephen Lacey. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand.