3 hours ago
8
February 4, 2025 | 10:01 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A federal prosecutor appointed by President Donald Trump said on Monday the FBI was investigating the "targeting" of staff involved in Elon Musk's effort to slash the size of the U.S. government.
Career government officials have reportedly sought to counter efforts by Musk aides working with his Department of Government Efficiency to gain access to troves of classified information without proper authorization.
DOGE was announced as an ambitious effort to cut the federal workforce and slash billions in government spending, but critics say it is being used to target agencies and government programs viewed as out of step with Trump's conservative and more isolationist "America First" agenda.
The statement by Edward Martin, the acting U.S. attorney in Washington, was the first evidence that resistance to Musk's effort could carry legal consequences, potentially chilling opposition by public workers concerned about what they see as overreach by DOGE.
"Our initial review of the evidence presented to us indicates that certain individuals and/or groups have committed acts that appear to violate the law in targeting DOGE employees," Martin said in a statement.
Martin said the FBI and other law enforcement agencies were preparing to "proceed rapidly."
The statement came after Martin publicly shared a letter he wrote to Musk on Monday seeking information on anyone who sought to threaten or impede people working with Musk.
Musk posted a thank you in response to Martin's message.
It is unclear whom prosecutors believe may have violated the law or what charges they could face. It is unusual for a prosecutor to discuss an active investigation before bringing charges in court.
The Trump administration removed two top security officials at the U.S. Agency for International Development, a top Musk target, after they tried to stop DOGE representatives from gaining access to secure parts of the building. The security personnel were confronted by members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Reuters reported.
The New York Times reported that a career Treasury Department official unsuccessfully resisted efforts by the DOGE team to gain access to the agency's payment system.
Musk, the world's richest person and the chief executive of Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab and SpaceX as well as owner of X, is leading an effort to dramatically cut the U.S. government. He has already offered sweeping buyouts to the federal workforce.
Martin, as interim U.S. attorney, oversaw the dismissal of all pending criminal cases tied to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol following a directive from Trump.
He has made several public statements supporting Trump and denigrating his political opponents, breaking with tradition for U.S. attorneys, who typically avoid any statement that could be perceived as political.
REUTERS | Andrew Goudsward
Editor's Choice: What is USAID and Why is It Targeted by Trump and Elon Musk?
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Rupiah Strengthens Amid Weakening Dollar as Volatility Lurks
5 jam lalu
The Rupiah initially strengthened by up to 105 points before correcting slightly ahead of the closing session.
Stocks, Dollar on a Rollercoaster as China Hits Back at U.S. Tariffs
6 jam lalu
U.S. stock futures wobbled, the dollar jumped and Hong Kong shares slipped from two-month highs on Tuesday.
What is USAID and Why is It Targeted by Trump and Elon Musk?
6 jam lalu
Trump and Elon Musk are planning to merge the U.S. international aid agency (USAID) into the State Department.
China Hits Back with Tariffs on U.S. Goods After Trump Imposes New Levies
7 jam lalu
China's new tariffs on the targeted U.S. exports will start on February 10.
Mexican President Announces Donald Trump Delays Import Duties to US for One Month
7 jam lalu
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday that the 25 percent import duty tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.
Trump Administration Plans to Sell $1 Billion Worth of Arms to Israel
8 jam lalu
Trump administration has sought U.S. congressional approval to transfer about $1 billion worth of bombs & other military equipment to Israel.
Elon Musk Targets Closure of US Humanitarian Aid Agency
8 jam lalu
USAID has been targeted for closure by billionaire Elon Musk, who has been tasked by the president with downsizing the federal government.
Donald Trump Unpredictable, Deputy Minister Talks About Indonesia-U.S. Diplomatic Relations Future
10 jam lalu
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Arif Havas talks about Indonesia-U.S. diplomatic relations under Donald Trump's unpredictable administration.
Indonesia Gets Debt Diversion from U.S., Germany for Coral Reef Conservation and Combat TB
10 jam lalu
Indonesia, the U.S., and several NGOs signed the debt diversion agreement for the conservation program on July 3, 2024.
Trump to Target UN Human Rights Council, UN Palestinian Relief Agency UNRWA
10 jam lalu
President Donald Trump is expected to continue a halt to funding for the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA.
