Bad Actors

Musk’s Interns Dismantle the Federal Government, Bondi Opens the FARA Floodgates

Earlier this month, I examined how Elon Musk’s “DOGE” operatives have launched a take-over of over federal agencies, jeopardizing key government functions and national stability. Since then, new details have emerged about these individuals, confirming many concerns about Musk’s influence in the Trump administration.

Investigative journalists at WIRED have identified six DOGE staffers leading efforts to dismantle major sections of the federal government. In response, Musk accused reporters of “doxxing” and threatened legal action, suggesting he believes his unelected appointees should be exempt from the transparency requirements that apply to all other federal employees.

It’s clear why Musk is in damage control mode.

Most of these DOGE staffers are wildly unqualified. Many aren’t old enough to run for Congress and some can’t even legally drink. Their résumés include high school extracurriculars—hardly the credentials for individuals entrusted with reshaping federal agencies.

Beyond their inexperience, some have troubling histories. One staffer orchestrated a cyberattack via Telegram and was fired from a cybersecurity firm for leaking confidential information. Another was dismissed after being exposed for operating a semi-anonymous X account that once posted, “Normalize Indian Hate.” Both Elon Musk and J.D. Vance have publicly forgiven this individual and reinstated him into his position at DOGE.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi has taken a wrecking ball to U.S. counterintelligence efforts. Bondi has ordered the Department of Justice to disband the Foreign Influence Task Force, limiting enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) to cases involving direct espionage. This decision invites foreign adversaries to exploit American corruption through election interference, propaganda, and bribery.

Having already dismantled USAID and the State Department’s Global Engagement Center—both critical to countering foreign influence operations—the Trump administration is making it even easier for hostile powers to manipulate U.S. politics. Bad actors will seize this opportunity to deepen our political divisions.

The administration is barely 30 days in and still coasting on post-election inertia. Meanwhile, legal challenges against Trump and Musk are only beginning to mount. The backlash against this administration’s corruption is just starting to take shape.

For now, Democrats are working to expose Trump’s abuses, publicize his illegal activities, and challenge him in court. As the consequences of Trump’s overreach materialize, public opinion will likely turn against him and the Republican Party, much as it did following the backlash to Trump’s first domestic misstep—a complete funding freeze. However, real accountability won’t come until the 2026 midterms.

Until then, institutions must take a lesson from USAID: don’t let the wolves in and hope they won’t devour you. Defend against illegal activities in the courts. Push back against Trump’s systematic dismantling of our institutions. And remember—without action, things will only get worse before they get better.