Elon Musk has assembled a team known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to overhaul several federal agencies under the authority of President Donald Trump. The team consists of employees from Musk’s companies, his allies, and newly recruited young professionals who are overriding career officials and taking control of computer systems, causing significant disruptions to government programs serving millions of Americans. A White House spokesperson stated that those leading this mission with Elon Musk are doing so in full compliance with federal law, appropriate security clearances, and as employees of the relevant agencies, not as outside advisors or entities.
The DOGE team’s roster comprises software developers, former Supreme Court clerks, and corporate financiers, among others. White House records show about 30 individuals now work for the office, with backgrounds primarily in tech but also in finance, law, and politics. Most of the DOGE staffers are in their 20s and 30s and are volunteers.
Tech workers make up the largest portion of the DOGE team, with some veteran software engineers and relatively junior members like Edward Coristine, 19, and Luke Farritor, 23, a former SpaceX intern.
Musk’s team disrupts federal operations
Two close associates of Musk are also on the list: an aerospace engineer now leading The Boring Company and Jehn Balajadia, described as Musk’s assistant.
There are five lawyers on the DOGE White House staff, most of whom have clerked for conservative Supreme Court justices. Austin Raynor, a graduate of the University of Virginia’s law school, clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas and has argued in front of the Supreme Court at least eight times. Other notable names include Jacob Altik, who will clerk for Justice Neil Gorsuch, and Keenan Kmiec, who clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Samuel Alito.
James Burnham, described as DOGE’s general counsel, clerked for Justice Neil Gorsuch and was previously a partner at Jones Day. Since January 20, the administration has moved quickly to dismantle federal agencies, reduce staff, and gain access to the digital systems managing taxpayer funds. The White House hasn’t disclosed details about the internal workings or staff of the DOGE, making the list significant in understanding the young team tasked with overhauling the federal government.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
