The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is facing increased threats after employees’ names were exposed online, leading to a federal response. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin confirmed Monday that his office is investigating potential legal violations related to the targeting of DOGE workers.
Martin said his team has identified actions that “appear to violate the law” and is working closely with the FBI and other agencies. “We also have our prosecutors preparing,” he stated, adding that legal action could be imminent.
The situation began after Wired published the names of several DOGE employees, revealing their identities and highlighting their lack of public sector experience. Shortly after, their names surfaced on X, where users made threats against them. Musk quickly responded, warning, “You have committed a crime,” in reference to those posting the names.
Martin addressed Musk directly in a letter, assuring him that his office would not tolerate intimidation of DOGE employees. “We will pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes your work or threatens your people,” Martin wrote. He also criticized the previous administration for failing to take similar action when government employees faced threats.
Some have argued that naming government workers does not qualify as doxing, claiming that public officials have fewer privacy protections. Others insist that the exposure of DOGE employees was an effort to disrupt Musk’s work.
As federal authorities investigate, Musk has remained steadfast in support of his team. He recently wrote on X, “Time to confess: Media reports saying that @DOGE has some of the world’s best software engineers are in fact true.”
