Elon Musk, now co-lead of the proposed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is once again in hot water for using his platform to direct harassment toward individuals. In his latest move, Musk reposted a tweet questioning the role of a federal employee, labeling it as part of “so many fake jobs.” The post, seen by more than 33 million people on X (formerly Twitter), has led to a wave of harassment against the targeted worker.
This incident highlights a troubling pattern in Musk’s use of social media, where his massive following has been weaponized against individuals, often resulting in real-world consequences.
What Happened?
Earlier this week, a user on X, “datahazard,” shared a screenshot of Ashley Thomas, the Director of Climate Diversification at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The post criticized Thomas’s role, suggesting that taxpayers should not fund such positions. Musk amplified the post by reposting it with the caption, “so many fake jobs.”
The response from Musk’s 205 million followers was swift and harsh. Memes and vitriol flooded the internet, and Thomas was forced to make her social media profiles private. The American Federation of Government Employees condemned Musk’s actions, accusing him of inciting fear among federal workers.
A Pattern of Harassment
This isn’t the first time Musk has used his platform to target individuals. Previous incidents include:
- Referring to diver Vernon Unsworth as a “pedo guy” during the 2018 Thai cave rescue efforts.
- Publicly criticizing a former Twitter executive after his bid to purchase the platform.
- Suggesting that Yoel Roth, Twitter’s former head of trust and safety, was sympathetic to pedophilia.
Each instance sparked waves of harassment against the individuals involved, often under the guise of “free speech.”
Musk’s latest post aligns with his broader efforts to publicize the work of the DOGE initiative, which he co-leads with entrepreneur and political figure Vivek Ramaswamy. The pair have pledged to tackle government “bloat” through mass deregulation, and they plan to conduct much of their work in public—including by polling Musk’s X followers.
The Fallout for Civil Servants
Critics argue that Musk’s behavior undermines trust in public institutions and puts federal employees at risk. Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, described Musk’s actions as “sowing terror and fear” among civil servants.
The targeted harassment also raises concerns about the future of the proposed DOGE initiative. If Musk and Ramaswamy plan to publicly scrutinize federal employees, more workers could face similar treatment, potentially driving talent away from public service roles.
Free Speech or Targeted Harassment?
Musk’s defenders often cite free speech to justify his actions, arguing that he’s merely voicing his opinions. However, critics point out that with Musk’s platform comes immense responsibility. Amplifying posts about specific individuals to a massive audience often leads to disproportionate consequences, including threats and harassment.
“This isn’t free speech—it’s targeted bullying,” said one government ethics expert. “When someone with 205 million followers singles out an individual, the impact is profound and dangerous.”
What’s Next?
The broader implications of Musk’s actions remain unclear. While DOGE is still in its early stages, the fallout from this incident could shape how the advisory group operates. If public scrutiny of federal workers becomes a cornerstone of DOGE’s work, it could lead to further polarization and mistrust of government.
For now, civil servants like Ashley Thomas face an increasingly hostile online environment, with little recourse against one of the world’s most influential figures.