1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

The appointment of Elon Musk as a 'special government employee' raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the outsized influence of a private individual on government operations. While public-private partnerships can be beneficial, granting extraordinary access and authority to the president's allies sets a concerning precedent that undermines principles of fair governance. The federal government should operate transparently and impartially, without undue sway from private interests or personal connections to the president. Providing Musk with access to critical payment systems and a broad mandate for efficiency initiatives warrants scrutiny to ensure proper oversight and adherence to ethics rules. The American people deserve a government that serves the public interest, not the interests of the president's friends and supporters.