DOGE Staff Fear Legal Jeopardy as Musk–Trump Split Leaves Operation in Disarray

Staff interviews depict a once-centralized cost-cutting shop reduced to scattered factions after the June break.

Overview

Current and former employees say they fear potential investigations over program cuts and doubt Elon Musk will intervene on their behalf.
A senior figure warned colleagues to "get your own lawyer," signaling a shift from reliance on Musk to personal legal caution.
Twelve workers who had been sleeping at GSA headquarters packed up on June 5 after Musk posted on X about Trump and the Epstein files.
Officials now describe Musk’s "five-bullets" deferred-resignation email as a misstep that alienated departments across government.
After the split, Steve Davis attempted to stay on as de facto chief before Trump aides moved to curb his role, dozens left, the operation dispersed, and former leaders were reportedly planning to regroup in Austin.