The recent appointment of Amy Gleason as the head of the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has ignited discussions surrounding the influence of Elon Musk within the U.S. government. On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the White House confirmed Gleason’s role, sparking surprise among observers expecting Musk to take the lead as he has been vocal about the department on social media.
Many had assumed Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur behind Tesla and SpaceX, was at the helm due to his long-standing interest and significant commentary on DOGE since the beginning of Donald Trump's second term as president. This assumption, based on Musk's public persona, posed challenges for those skeptical of his influence. Yet, the announcement has raised new questions about who truly runs the initiative aimed at streamlining federal finances.
Gleason, who has extensive experience within the corridors of the American administration and previously served under Trump, may appear as an unexpected choice. When CBS reached out to her for comment, she declined, citing she was on vacation in Mexico. Speculation is rife over whether she was the right fit for the role. According to various statements, both Gleason and Musk have vast influence over DOGE, with analysts believing this arrangement allows the Trump administration to sidestep certain legal challenges linked to Musk's controversial public perception.
Joshua Fisher, the director of the office of administration at the White House, emphasized to the court during litigation led by 14 states, including New Mexico, against Musk, stating, "The Tesla CEO serves only as a special advisor to the president, and cannot make executive decisions typical of agency heads." Fisher's remarks highlight the complex organizational structure around DOGE, which has remained intentionally obscure under Trump's administration.
René Lindstaedt, a U.S. political expert, noted, "There is little doubt Musk and Trump set the general direction of DOGE's operations, but they have strategically placed another name at the top to shield themselves from legal scrutiny." Lindstaedt suggests this method was to limit legal ramifications stemming from claims against Musk. Emma Long, an academic specializing in American institutions, pointed out this appointment may not legitimize DOGE before the courts. If the case lands with a Republican judge, it could tilt the proceedings favorably for DOGE, as many believe the alignment of interests is prevalent.
Political insiders argue the appointment of Gleason serves to temper the broader public perception of Musk, who is divisive outside Trump’s staunch supporters. By positioning her as the head, it aims to present Musk as less of a figurehead and more like every other executive in federal government.
Leading experts are divided on Gleason's qualifications for the role, citing her extensive career as a public servant. She previously held positions with the United States Digital Service (USDS), which was recently rebranded as the American DOGE Service when Trump's executive order established DOGE. Richard Johnson, another political analyst, explains, "One can envision Musk outlining the objectives, which Gleason would then execute, acting almost as the translator of Trump's directives to his administration. This way, Musk's intentions may seep through much more smoothly."
Long remarked on Gleason's potential effectiveness as she contemplates the conflicts many public servants face under Musk's direction. Numerous public sector employees have reportedly resigned rather than comply with Musk's controversial policies, which challenges the integrity of the government.
For the appointment to succeed, Gleason must garner respect among her peers and maintain her allegiance to Trump. Reports suggest she aligns with this image, maintaining hidden connections with Trump's circle. After Trump's first term ended, Gleason served two biotech companies founded by Brad Smith, who is known for his strong Trump backing and was integral to shaping COVID-19 policies during the administration.
Media outlets have mentioned Gleason's ties to Smith, hinting at her potential loyalty to Trump’s agenda. Recently, the websites of these companies ceased operations, adding another layer of obscurity to her professional affiliations aside from her LinkedIN profile. Observers note, "The primary qualification for many appointed by Trump is unwavering loyalty, which many acknowledge as necessary to keep their positions secure within the government."
Gleason's appointment as the head of DOGE symbolizes the complex interweaving of private interests and public administration under the current U.S. government. The appointment might level the playing field wherein traditional governmental bureaucracy collides with private sector ambition. Whether she can navigate this maze successfully remains to be seen as stakeholders anticipate her leadership and its repercussions on federal governance.