Some employees working within the **Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)** are indeed classified as “**federal employees**,” according to Elon Musk in a recent interview with Fox News‘ Sean Hannity. In the midst of ongoing debates about DOGE and its authority, Elon Musk’s revelation provides further clarification on the operational structure.
While the exact number of **DOGE employees** categorized as “federal” remains unspecified, the Trump administration previously designated certain members of White House task forces as “**special government employees**.” Hannity directly asked Musk during the interview if anyone at DOGE receives a pay. Musk clarified, that contrary to what was assumed, certain DOGE members were federal employees. Musk stressed the financial sacrifices that DOGE software engineers may have to make, pointing out they could be earning significantly more outside of government than what they are currently receiving.
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**Donald Trump,** who was present during the interview, previously appointed Musk as a “**special government employee**.” According to the Justice Department, this designation applies to people who work for the government less than 130 working days in a calendar year. As **the SpaceX CEO**, Musk’s exact duties within DOGE have been controversial, particularly in light of legal challenges questioning his authority.
Recent White House filings clarified Musk’s role. They stated that while Musk is an employee at the White House Office he does not lead DOGE. In the document, it is stated that Mr Musk “has no formal or real authority” to make his own government decisions. He was described as a “non career Special Government Employee”, similar to senior White House Advisors.
Musk and **the Department of Government Efficiency** are currently facing numerous lawsuits that challenge Musk’s authority to restructure government agencies and terminate federal employees. Musk won part of a recent federal court case by refusing a 14-state request for a temporary injunction that would have prevented him from firing government workers and accessing sensitive information.
Tanya Chutkan of the U.S. Federal District Court indicated, however, that she was keeping her mind open regarding Musk’s general influence within federal operations. She voiced concern over “unchecked powers of unelected individuals and entities that were not created by Congress, and which they have no oversight”
*This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.*