Federal employees are expressing growing fears after Elon Musk reposted information about climate-related government positions on his social- media platform, X. The posts, viewed millions of times, exposed the names and roles of four women in relatively obscure government jobs, sparking intense online backlash and concerns about personal safety.
The controversy began when Musk shared posts criticising positions such as the ‘director of climate diversification’ at the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and other climate-focused roles across federal agencies. While the details Musk shared are publicly available, employees fear being targeted by his massive online following.
Musk’s criticism aligns with his earlier remarks supporting a streamlined federal government. His reposts referred to these roles as ‘fake jobs’ or unnecessary expenditures. For instance, he mocked a senior climate adviser at HUD by questioning her annual salary of $181,648, adding a comment with laughing emojis.
This pattern of behaviour is not new for Musk, who has previously targeted individuals publicly. Critics say these actions embolden his followers, leading to harassment, threats, and even job resignations. Missy Cummings, a former federal advisor, shared her own experience of being targeted by Musk, which included death threats and relocation.
Experts in cyber harassment note that Musk’s actions end up dissuading people from speaking out or pursuing public-service roles. Some federal employees are reportedly considering leaving their positions due to fear of becoming targets.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union condemned Musk’s tactics, describing them as efforts to intimidate federal workers and undermine government operations. The AFGE also pointed out that Musk’s companies have historically benefited from federal contracts, totalling billions annually.
