Washington D.C., USA – Elon Musk’s alleged attempt to hire a non-US citizen to work at his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was blocked by President Donald Trump’s advisers, according to a report by The Atlantic.
Musk, as the head of the non-governmental agency, has actively disrupted the government by proposing to close the US Agency for International Development and accessing the Treasury Department’s payment systems.
However, Musk’s request to hire Baris Akis, a Turkish-born venture capitalist with a green card, was met with an ‘unequivocal no’, according to reports in the American media.
Trump’s stance on hiring non-citizens
Sources stated that President Trump’s advisers opposed the hire, stating it could ‘send a confusing message’ given the US President’s ‘America First’ agenda and plans to shrink the federal workforce.
Generally, non-citizens are prohibited from working in the US federal government. An official highlighted Elon Musk‘s autonomy but noted that Trump remains in control, as demonstrated by this hiring denial.
Power dynamics among Trump and Musk
This incident is not the first reminder from Trump of their power dynamic. Despite acknowledging Musk’s contributions to cost-cutting efforts, Trump underscored that the tech mogul requires presidential approval for his actions within DOGE.
The billionaire’s significant media presence, which led some to dub him ‘President Musk’, may have contributed to the tension. Nevertheless, he continues to make impactful moves, including recruiting young engineers with little experience to join the ranks of the new department.
