Summary
The Intercept has uncovered Elon Musk’s government email address, erm71@who.eop.gov, and filed FOIA requests to access his correspondence as head of DOGE.
DOGE has rapidly cut federal staffing and spending but tries to claim exemption from FOIA due to its White House affiliation.
Watchdog groups argue DOGE wields agency-level power and are suing for transparency. Government responses on Musk’s role have been contradictory, fueling legal battles.
Pending lawsuits aim to classify DOGE as a FOIA-subject agency and force document disclosures.
It’s not illegal to email a government employee and tell them to knock that shit off
In principle yeah, but we are currently speed running the dystopian surveillance state so much early sci-fi warned us about.
Just FYI, 1984 was hardly about surveillance, though that’s the only thing people hear about (I assume on purpose). It’s more about how the government uses propaganda to ensure compliance and that they’re never questioned. It changes the meaning of language, manufactures enemies, and turns people against each other so you can’t trust anyone and organize. This is much more relevant to today too.
What’s illegal is basically whatever those in power decide is illegal at the moment. Stop trusting in the rules to save you; we’re well beyond that.