WASHINGTON ― The interim U.S. attorney in Washington warned Monday his office would pursue charges against "anyone who impedes" the work of tech entrepreneur Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, which President Donald Trump has tasked with dismantling the federal bureaucracy.
The Justice Department's message was delivered shortly before the White House confirmed to USA TODAY that Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, had been made a "special government employee" amid his efforts to downsize and restructure the federal government.
Ed Martin, who was appointed by Trump last month as U.S. attorney of the District of Columbia, referenced DOGE staff who have been "targeted publicly," in a Monday letter to Musk. Martin said, "Any threats, confrontations, or other actions that in any way impact their work may break numerous laws." He did not specify which laws.
"Let me assure you of this: we will pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes on your work or threatens your people," Martin said. "We will protect DOGE and other (federal) workers no matter what."
More:Trump makes DOGE head Elon Musk a 'special government employee' after accusations of a takeover
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