Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is almost never out of news. But this time some of his posts are getting attraction as he appears to mock individual employees of the US government. Normally this wouldn't have been cause for concern but as co-chair of soon-to-be-formed Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk's words are being interpreted differently. The post Musk made earlier this week has led to concerned reactions and even scare among the government employees.
Musk has reposted a post on X (formerly Twitter) the social media platform he himself owns. The initial post, made by an account by the name 'datahazard' and with handle 'fentasyl', says that Alexis Pelosi, niece of former US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, should not be paid a salary of USD 181,648 for working as Senior Advisor for Climate at US government's Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Elon Musk has reposted the post saying 'But maybe her advice is amazing' followed by two laughing emojis.
Nancy Pelosi's niece may have had some prior recognition among public, but three other names of previously unknown government employees and now there is a scare that they might be targeted by followers of Musk, worse still that they might lose their jobs.
“These tactics are aimed at sowing terror and fear at federal employees,” said Everett Kelley, president, American Federation of Government Employees.
The federation represents more than 800,000 of 2.3 million federal employees.
“It’s intended to make them fearful that they will become afraid to speak up.”
Kelley was quoted by the CNN.
There is a history of individuals singled out by Musk receiving harassment online.
“It’s his way of intimidating people to either quit or also send a signal to all the other agencies that ‘you’re next’,” said Mary 'Missy' Cummings, a former US federal employee.
Musk reportedly targeted her after she criticised Tesla during her job with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Cummings was quoted by CNN.
