After weeks of mystery and growing controversy, the Trump administration finally revealed who’s running the powerful but mysterious Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—and the answer stunned Washington.
On Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt faced intense questioning from reporters eager to uncover the identity of DOGE’s secretive head.
Although Leavitt initially refused to reveal the name publicly, she promised to disclose it privately to press outlets. Hours later, the news leaked out: the department is being led by Amy Gleason, a close adviser to billionaire Elon Musk.
Who is Amy Gleason—and Why is She in Charge?
Amy Gleason is a former official at the U.S. Digital Service, known for her close ties with Elon Musk. A respected healthcare tech executive with a strong background in digital services, Gleason previously worked as a Digital Services Expert and held senior positions at healthcare-tech companies.
But Gleason’s connection to Musk—who himself has recently faced backlash for controversial management decisions—has ignited controversy.
Why the Secrecy Around DOGE?
DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) has been controversial from the start, mainly because it wasn’t officially created by Congress. It exists purely due to President Trump’s executive orders, and lawmakers have raised serious concerns about its legality and oversight.
Now, with Musk’s top advisor running DOGE, critics are asking:
- Why hide her identity from the public?
- Is Musk secretly running DOGE behind the scenes?
- Why is an unelected figure with ties to Musk handling federal employment decisions?
Critics Demand Answers
The revelation of Gleason’s role has intensified concerns about Musk’s power and the potential for conflicts of interest. Already criticized for sending intimidating emails to millions of federal employees, Musk now stands accused of wielding undue influence over essential government operations.
Former officials, lawmakers, and watchdog groups are questioning the legitimacy of DOGE itself, a department never formally approved by Congress. Its leader’s secretive appointment further fuels accusations that Trump’s administration is bending rules to empower Musk and his allies.
What’s Next for Trump, Musk, and DOGE?
With Gleason’s identity finally public, the Trump administration faces growing pressure to provide clarity about DOGE’s actual powers—and who’s really pulling the strings.
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