The Department of Education is facing a seismic shift as Elon Musk’s team makes its presence known, setting off a wave of anxiety among agency officials.
On Tuesday, Musk’s associates, backed by his tech-savvy supporters, entered the building, triggering what some are calling a bureaucratic revolution.
Musk’s Inner Circle Gains Access
Two of Musk’s key allies, Akash Bobba and Ethan Shaotran, both just 22 years old, have already secured access to the department, according to NBC News.
But they’re not alone—reports indicate that at least 16 team members have been listed in the department’s directory and have physically entered the premises.
Their arrival marks the beginning of a significant restructuring within the agency.
Fear and Legal Concerns Among Officials
The sudden takeover has left many department employees feeling unsettled.
Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-MD) described the atmosphere as one of fear and uncertainty, accusing Musk’s team of dismantling the department from the inside.
“They’re already on the sixth floor, canceling grants and contracts,” Stansbury said in an interview with HuffPost.
“They know it’s not legal, but they’re doing it anyway.”
With limited options to counter this move, Stansbury emphasized that legal action might be the only recourse left.
She even predicted that the Department of Education could be completely dissolved in the coming days.
Trump’s Executive Order Backs DOGE
Former President Donald Trump appears to be fully backing Musk’s actions.
On Tuesday, he signed an executive order requiring all agencies to collaborate with DOGE, the initiative Musk is spearheading.
The order, which includes a ‘workplace optimization initiative,’ has sparked outrage among Democrats, who argue that an unelected billionaire should not wield such influence over federal agencies.
Major Budget Cuts and Canceled Contracts
The changes are already making an impact. The Department of Education has reportedly terminated 89 contracts valued at $881 million.
Additionally, 29 training grants related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) have been scrapped, saving an estimated $101 million, according to DOGE’s official X account.
Trump had long campaigned on shutting down the Department of Education and redirecting its funding back to the states.
Last week, he reiterated his commitment to that goal, even suggesting that Education Secretary Linda McMahon may soon be out of a job.
Protesters and Lawmakers Clash Over Access
The upheaval has ignited protests in Washington, DC.
On Tuesday, government employees and activists gathered at a “Save the Civil Service” rally organized by the American Federation of Government Employees.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have faced obstacles in their efforts to confront the situation firsthand.
On Friday, several members of Congress were denied entry into the Department of Education building, leading to heated exchanges with security personnel.
Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA) confronted an unidentified individual blocking her path, demanding to know his identity.
He refused to comply, escalating tensions further.
White House Fires Back at Waters
The White House was quick to respond to Waters’ actions, dismissing her aggressive stance as “annoying AF.”
“This kind of behavior looks like something straight out of ‘Flowers in the Attic,’” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung wrote on social media, mocking the confrontation.
Democrats Mobilize Against Musk’s Influence
As Musk’s influence spreads across federal agencies, Democrats are stepping up their efforts to counter his cost-cutting measures.
On Monday, they announced the formation of a special task force dedicated to resisting Trump’s administrative changes.
The task force is being led by Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Gerry Connolly (D-VA), and Jamie Raskin (D-MD), all of whom have been vocal opponents of the restructuring efforts.
“We are engaged in a multifaceted struggle to protect and defend everyday Americans from the harm being inflicted by this administration,” Representative Hakeem Jeffries stated in a letter announcing the initiative.
Republican Support for Musk’s Initiative
While Democrats are fighting back, House Speaker Mike Johnson has thrown his full support behind Musk’s efforts.
In a press conference, he praised DOGE for tackling government inefficiencies that Congress has struggled to address for years.
“What Elon and his team are doing is exactly what we’ve been unable to do—uncover and eliminate wasteful spending,” Johnson said.
“It’s good, it’s right, and it’s for the American people.”
He left the press conference with a final message: “Stay tuned—there’s a lot more to come.”
What Comes Next?
With Musk’s team firmly planted in the Department of Education and Trump’s executive orders driving change, the political landscape is shifting rapidly.
Protests are growing, lawsuits may be on the horizon, and the future of the agency remains uncertain.
Will the Department of Education survive, or is this just the beginning of a broader government overhaul?
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