### Uncertainty and Fear Grip DOGE Employees Amid Trump-Musk Feud

In the wake of a heated public altercation between President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk, staff at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are increasingly anxious about their future job security and potential political retaliation. Sources indicate that remaining employees are concerned about becoming targets of the Trump administration amid the escalating feud.

The anxiety stems from fears that the fallout between Trump and Musk, who recently distanced himself from the initiative, could make DOGE staffers vulnerable to political retribution. Some employees embedded in various federal agencies worry their association with the controversial government-slashing entity could jeopardize their careers if Trump decides to investigate DOGE's operations.

DOGE has sparked significant controversy since its inception, shutting down government agencies and gaining access to sensitive data. The initiative was spearheaded by Musk, who had become closely allied with Trump last year while supporting his reelection campaign. However, tensions boiled over last Thursday when Musk accused Trump of "ingratitude" regarding the 2024 election, leading to a threat from Trump to cut off Musk's governmental subsidies and contracts.

Prominent Trump ally Steve Bannon has called for thorough investigations into Musk following their public spat. Labeling Musk as unstable and a national security threat, Bannon urged that all government contracts with the billionaire should be suspended.

Despite the high-profile departures of key DOGE figures like Steve Davis, who was integral to the initiative, many staff members remain embedded across federal agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management, Veterans Affairs, Treasury, IRS, and Social Security Administration. With Musk stepping away, these employees now report to their respective agency leadership.

In light of these turbulent developments, some DOGE staffers are seeking employment elsewhere, though major tech companies have shown interest in hiring them. Notably, Coinbase has created a recruitment portal specifically targeting former DOGE employees.

A White House adviser indicated that the president's current focus is on passing his signature spending bill, the "Big Beautiful Bill," rather than investigating DOGE. Although Trump has not publicly criticized DOGE amidst his feud with Musk, he has previously praised the initiative as a transformative government reform program.

As the future of DOGE hangs in the balance, the remaining staff continue to navigate their roles within the federal apparatus, uncertain of what may come next.