Meet the zoomers aiding Musk’s government takeover
Feb 6, 2025
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Ryan Broderick, an online culture reporter and creator of the newsletter Garbage Day, joins to discuss Elon Musk's controversial takeover of key U.S. government functions. They explore the qualifications and backgrounds of Gen Z recruits working under Musk, raising alarms about their roles and potential chaos from their radical ideologies. The conversation also touches on Musk's ambitions to influence governance with AI and cryptocurrency, alongside the rising challenges of misinformation in today's political landscape.
Elon Musk's takeover of key U.S. government functions through DOGE raises significant concerns about data security and operational transparency.
The inexperience of the young 'Zoomers' in crucial government roles reflects a troubling trend of unvetted individuals influencing public policy.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Government Takeover
Elon Musk is reportedly engaged in a significant takeover of key functions within the U.S. government through a newly established entity known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). His actions have raised concerns as his team has gained access to sensitive government databases, including personal information of American citizens and mechanisms related to the U.S. Treasury's payment systems. Musk's mostly inexperienced young team, branded as 'Zoomers', is allegedly blocking access to vital operations within agencies such as the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID), which has effectively stopped them from performing their duties. This takeover not only jeopardizes the operations of these departments but also raises alarm about the security of sensitive data managed by the government.
The Inexperienced Team
The individuals working under Musk's direction are primarily young adults, some as young as 19, who supposedly lack formal government experience yet have been placed in crucial roles within the federal government. These young staffers, with backgrounds including internships at tech companies and elite universities, have become gatekeepers over significant government operations. For instance, one reported participant, Edward Corustein, has an unclear role but appears on important calls without explanation, indicative of the lack of transparency within this new governance framework. Such rapid appointments of unvetted individuals into positions of power raise questions about their capability and readiness to manage vital governmental systems.
Controversial Motivations and Harmful Actions
Musk and his associates have raised eyebrows not just for their inexperience but also for their controversial political leanings and questionable operational methods. Reports indicate that some team members have been involved in promoting far-right ideologies and have leveraged their positions to silence dissent or opposition within government operations. The chaos created by their actions has led to confusion and disruption, affecting essential functions like the distribution of aid and the management of critical information. This environment of uncertainty is seen by many as a harmful influence that could compromise the integrity of public services and lead to long-term repercussions for governmental efficacy.
The Future of Musk's Influence
The situation surrounding Musk's takeover and the actions of his team is viewed as indicative of larger, systemic challenges within the U.S. government amidst a growing technological influence. Analysts warn that the digital systems being compromised by Musk's team could lead to lasting damage or operational dysfunction within key governmental functions. While some observers suggest that this radical restructuring reflects a trend aiming to modernize government, others stress the risks associated with placing technocrats with minimal checks on power in positions to influence public policy. The divide between the perceived chaos instigated by Musk's methods and the potential for transformative changes highlights an ongoing debate about the intersection of technology and government leadership.
Over the past week, Elon Musk has been engaged in a near wholesale takeover of key areas of the U.S. federal government. Working under the newly minted "Department of Government Efficiency" aka DOGE, Musk and a group of young Gen Z loyalists have begun wreaking havoc on our institutions.
Online culture journalist Ryan Broderick joins Taylor to break down who exactly these young men are, what their backgrounds say about the people Musk is hiring, and what the billionaire is currently doing to the U.S. government.
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