Musk Gets a New Government Title. Why It’s a Big Deal.
It's an important distinction that Elon Musk is the head of President Donald Trump’s government efficiency efforts given his role as CEO of two companies—one with billions in federal contracts.
John Pelissero, Ethics Center director of government ethics spoke with Barrons about the designation.
“In some ways, it’s very uncharted territory,” said Pelissero. “The approach of the current administration isn’t to worry about the rules and let special government employees like Musk forge ahead and carry out whatever it is the president wants him to do.”
It’s unclear if Musk would be held accountable if he violates the conflict-of-interest statute. DOGE is under the executive branch, where it isn’t overseen by an inspector general, according to Pelissero. Trump’s Justice Department also may not take any action. But the conflict-of-interest law is subject to a five-year statute of limitations that potentially extends Musk’s liability beyond the current administration.
“It’s very unusual what you have going on with Musk, said Pelissero."
John Pelissero, director, government ethics, quoted by Barrons.