Washington, D.C. — As former President Donald Trump intensifies his campaign to return to the White House, watchdog groups and government ethics experts are calling on him to preemptively impose safeguards that would restrict Elon Musk and Dogecoin-affiliated workers from exploiting potential access to sensitive government data.
The unusual request follows Trump’s growing alignment with influential tech and crypto figures, particularly Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and high-profile members of the Dogecoin (DOGE) developer and investor community.
Critics fear that if Trump regains executive power, the blending of tech, crypto, and politics could open the door to data misuse and conflicts of interest.
“The former president’s open courting of billionaires and crypto influencers should come with a clear firewall,” said Claire Malcolm, a senior policy analyst at the nonprofit watchdog group Citizens for Integrity.
“He should demand public certification from these individuals and their associates that they will not exploit any government systems or information for personal or financial gain.”
Growing Political-Tech-Crypto Nexus
Elon Musk, who has become increasingly vocal in political discourse and is known for his influence over social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has been rumored to be in informal discussions with Trump regarding a possible advisory role should the former president win in 2024.
Additionally, several crypto influencers tied to Dogecoin, a meme-based cryptocurrency that Musk frequently promotes, have signaled alignment with Trump’s deregulatory stance on digital assets.
These crypto advocates have expressed interest in working with a potential second Trump administration on “crypto-friendly” policies.
This convergence has triggered concerns within ethics circles.
“When individuals with massive financial interests in volatile markets like cryptocurrency are brought into proximity with federal decision-making, you have to establish strict lines of accountability,” said Daniel Rosen, a former ethics officer at the Office of Government Ethics.
Ethical Questions and Lack of Oversight
Critics argue that in the absence of explicit ethics rules, individuals associated with tech giants and blockchain networks could use privileged access to federal infrastructure or policy development to influence markets or gain insider advantages.
In Musk’s case, this could include space exploration contracts, AI deployment, or satellite data via Starlink, which already has defense ties. For Dogecoin developers and major holders, even subtle regulatory shifts could have massive effects on the cryptocurrency’s value.
“If someone is advising the administration while holding millions in a meme coin, and then helps shape SEC crypto guidelines, that’s a serious ethical hazard,” Malcolm added.
Although federal employees and contractors are required to adhere to conflict-of-interest laws, those rules often don’t extend to informal advisors or non-appointed influencers who may still have proximity to policymaking.
Advocates Push for Transparency Measures
Several advocacy groups are now urging Trump to take proactive steps, including:
- Mandating ethics certifications for any non-government personnel who are granted access to federal data, networks, or advisory meetings.
- Public disclosure of financial holdings in cryptocurrencies, tech stocks, or related ventures.
- A clear delineation of advisory roles, with restrictions on participation in sectors where advisors have financial ties.
Some suggest modeling these policies on existing ethics pledges signed by White House staffers and agency officials, such as the one implemented during the Obama administration, which prohibited former lobbyists from working on issues they had lobbied on.
“Trump has a chance to reassure voters that he won’t let billionaires or crypto insiders game the system,” said Dr. Elena Rivera, a political scientist at Georgetown University. “Even voluntary certification would send a strong message.”
Musk and Trump’s Growing Ties
While Elon Musk has not confirmed any formal advisory role with Trump, he has met with the former president privately and recently stated in interviews that he is “open to supporting candidates who promote innovation and free speech.”
Musk’s growing influence over communications infrastructure, including satellite internet, social media, and AI, has raised eyebrows within national security circles.
In the crypto world, Musk’s tweets have previously caused significant volatility in the value of Dogecoin and Bitcoin, further complicating perceptions of his potential influence on policy.
Trump has also shifted his tone on cryptocurrency in recent months, suggesting that he would take a lighter regulatory approach compared to the Biden administration.
“Crypto will be part of the future,” Trump said at a recent campaign rally in Florida. “We want that future to be American-led and innovation-driven.”
Conclusion
As Trump lays the groundwork for a possible return to the White House, pressure is mounting to ensure that individuals like Elon Musk and Dogecoin-linked developers—while potentially valuable voices on innovation—do not exploit government proximity for private gain.
Without enforceable transparency and accountability measures, watchdogs warn that a blurred line between public service and private profit could erode trust in federal institutions.
Whether Trump heeds these calls remains uncertain. But the stakes—spanning national security, financial regulation, and tech policy—continue to grow.
🔗 To learn more about federal ethics rules and data handling requirements, visit the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE).
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