Musk aides lock Office of Personnel Management workers out of computer systems

SUMMARY

Aides to Elon Musk, appointed by President Trump to manage the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), have restricted access to some of the agency’s data systems. Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Musk’s team has revoked access for senior career officials to systems containing personal data of federal employees, including Social Security numbers, pay grades, and employment history. While these officials can still access email, they can no longer view the data. Musk’s team, which includes former employees from his companies, has installed sofa beds at OPM headquarters to work around the clock. They have also issued memos encouraging federal employees to consider buyouts or early retirement. The new leadership has also made changes within OPM, including moving the agency’s chief management officer to a different office.