Elon Musk is once again stirring controversy, this time by publicly identifying federal employees on his platform, X (formerly Twitter). His recent posts targeting workers in climate-related government roles have sparked fear among employees, some of whom worry about their safety after becoming unwilling participants in Musk’s high-profile campaign.
As co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency, Musk has been vocal about his plans to overhaul federal agencies. His approach? Calling out so-called “fake jobs” by reposting the names and titles of government employees. This tactic has drawn heavy criticism for fostering an atmosphere of intimidation.
The controversy began when Musk reposted details about federal employees from an account named “Datahazard” (@Fentasyl), including the name and role of a worker at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. In his caption, Musk questioned the value of her position, writing:
“I don’t think U.S. taxpayers should pay for the employment of a ‘Director of Climate Diversification (she/her).”
The repost ignited backlash, with some employees deleting their social media accounts to avoid harassment. According to reports, these actions have left many federal workers feeling vulnerable, fearing they may be next.
Critics say Musk’s actions are more than just critiques of inefficiency—they’re a calculated strategy to create fear among government employees.
“These tactics aim to make workers afraid to speak out or even stay in their roles,” said Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees. “It’s designed to scare people into silence.”
Mary “Missy” Cummings, a former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration official who faced backlash from Musk supporters after criticizing Tesla, spoke about the personal toll such targeting takes. “I received death threats and had to temporarily relocate before moving permanently,” she said. “Musk’s goal is clear: intimidate workers into quitting so he doesn’t have to fire them.”
Nancy Pelosi’s niece should not be paid $181,648.00 by the US Taxpayer to be the “Climate Advisor” at HUD. pic.twitter.com/3jRNYcYpQP
— ~~datahazard~~ (@fentasyl) November 19, 2024
While some argue that Musk’s actions expose inefficiencies in government, critics question the ethics of targeting individuals publicly. Musk’s followers, known for their fierce loyalty, often escalate these situations into personal harassment campaigns, leaving employees to deal with the fallout.
Meanwhile, political figures like GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy have commented on the broader issue of government bureaucracy but avoided addressing Musk’s targeting directly. “Most federal employees are good people and deserve respect,” Ramaswamy said, though he acknowledged the need for reforms.
As Musk continues to use X as a platform to publicly criticize government workers, the debate over his tactics rages on. Supporters see it as a bold step toward accountability, while opponents argue it’s a dangerous form of intimidation.
For federal employees, the reality is clear: Musk’s actions have created a climate of fear, with workers wondering if their names will appear in the next viral post.
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