Elon Musk and his team have been causing a stir across several government agencies, and new reports reveal just how far they’ve gone. According to sources, Musk’s allies gained access to sensitive, classified information without proper security clearance—using nothing more than “visitor badges.”
Over the past few weeks, Musk’s team has stirred up trouble in multiple federal agencies, pushing out career employees, threatening to shut down major organizations, and pushing for sweeping changes. But it’s the claim about gaining access to USAID—without the required security clearance—that’s really turning heads.
Musk’s people reportedly tried to get into the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters in Washington, D.C. Even though they didn’t have clearance, they used “visitor badges” to enter the building, CNN reports. Once inside, they were reportedly after the agency’s security systems, personnel files, and, most alarmingly, classified information—information that’s only meant to be accessible to those with specific clearances and a need to know.
At first, their access was blocked, but sources say Musk’s team didn’t back down. They allegedly threatened to call U.S. Marshals to force their way in, demanding access to sensitive systems and files. In the end, they managed to enter the building and gain access to restricted areas.
This isn’t the first time Musk’s allies have shaken up federal agencies. In recent weeks, they’ve taken control of parts of the Treasury’s payments system, pushed out career civil servants, and even threatened to shut down USAID entirely—an agency that handles billions in international aid and development funding.
Critics are now raising alarms that Musk and his team may be breaking federal laws that are in place to protect classified information and ensure proper procedures are followed in government agencies. By using visitor badges to gain access to secured areas without clearance, they appear to be sidestepping rules meant to safeguard sensitive data.
The legality of these moves is unclear. The White House hasn’t clarified whether Musk is formally in charge of the DOGE entity, which was created through an executive order from former President Trump. If Musk is officially in charge, it could affect whether he is required to follow certain ethics rules, including filing a financial disclosure form.
While Musk’s team has gained attention for their bold moves, the use of visitor badges to access classified information is raising serious questions about security and whether these actions go too far. As they continue to push their agenda across federal agencies, many are wondering just how much power an unelected businessman like Musk should be allowed to wield—especially when it comes to accessing some of the government’s most sensitive materials.
After days of silence on whether Musk holds an official government position, the White House said on Monday that he’s been serving as a special government employee. This status means Musk isn’t just a volunteer, but also not a full-time federal employee. According to Kel McClanahan, executive director of the National Security Counselors, special government employees are “like super-volunteers”—they have more authority but fewer restrictions.
It’s still unclear, though, whether Musk has been officially appointed as the administrator of the DOGE entity created by a Trump executive order in January. That appointment would determine whether Musk is required to follow ethics rules, like filing a public financial disclosure form.
As for the other DOGE appointees sent to federal agencies, their status is just as murky. Some are not officially listed in employee databases and have been gaining access using only visitor badges, identifying themselves as part of Musk’s political appointee team. Multiple reports have also noted that some of these new staffers, especially those brought into the Office of Personnel Management, appear to be very young—many in their early 20s.
