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FBI Agent Pressed to Open Criminal Probe of Elon Musk Over DOGE Initiative
By Drooid · · How we work
FBI Agent Seeks Investigation into Musk’s DOGE Initiative
In February of the previous year, Special Agent Kevin Gounaud emailed colleagues urging the FBI to open a criminal investigation into SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. Gounaud argued that Musk’s promotion of a “DOGE initiative” on his platform X wasted a “colossal amount of official time,” violated information-security policies, and enriched him by sharing government information. He offered to draft the necessary paperwork and locate a willing prosecutor, or refer the matter to an inspector general. The email was part of three sets of records released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) during an oversight hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel.
Background and Context
At the time, Musk served as a special government employee (SGE) and participated in a Department of Government Efficiency request that required federal workers to list five weekly accomplishments. Musk publicized the request on X, warning that non-response could be treated as a resignation. The Office of Personnel Management had previously barred classified attachments in such emails, a practice it ended the prior August. Grassley’s office presented the disclosures as evidence of alleged “weaponization” by FBI agents who continued to target President Donald Trump and allies after his second inauguration.
Official Statements & Responses
Director Patel confirmed that Special Agent Walter Giardina, who had repeatedly sought to join the Crossfire Hurricane investigation, was terminated for violating FBI standards and the code of conduct. Patel declined to link the firing to the newly released records. Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) questioned Patel about Giardina’s dismissal, and Patel cited public reports of an investigation into Giardina without providing details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He violated the FBI standards and code of conduct,” — Kash Patel, during FBI director