Federal authorities are investigating the online targeting of Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employees after their names were exposed, leading to harassment and threats. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin confirmed Monday that his office is reviewing whether any laws were broken.
Martin emphasized that legal consequences may be forthcoming. “We also have our prosecutors preparing,” he stated, adding that his office has contacted the FBI and other law enforcement agencies. While Martin did not name specific individuals, he suggested that certain actions may have crossed legal boundaries.
The situation escalated after revealed the identities of multiple DOGE employees, noting their young age and limited experience in government. Their names were shared on X, where some users made threats. Musk quickly responded, writing, “You have committed a crime,” suggesting that those responsible could face legal action.
Martin directly assured Musk that his office would take action to protect DOGE employees. “We will pursue any and all legal action” against anyone who impedes your work or threatens your people,” he wrote, adding that he would not allow government workers to be targeted.
Some argue that releasing the names of public officials is not illegal, while Musk’s supporters insist that exposing DOGE employees was intended to intimidate them. The debate over whether revealing the identities of government staffers constitutes doxing continues.
Musk has remained firm in his defense of his staff, posting on X, “Time to confess: Media reports saying that @DOGE has some of the world’s best software engineers are in fact true.”
