How Elon Musk’s Operation Is Reshaping Government Policies Through Social Media Influence
In a surprising turn of events, the U.S. government has found itself reshaping policies and adjusting official documents based on viral social media posts. This shift is largely driven by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which has created a direct pipeline between right-wing influencers and federal agencies. One of the most striking examples came on Valentine’s Day, when a popular right-wing account, Libs of TikTok, criticized the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for allowing students to identify as “nonbinary” or “prefer not to answer” when it comes to gender. Within hours, the form was updated to reflect only two gender options, with the DOGE account simply replying, “Fixed.”
The Rise of Conservative Influencers as Policymakers
Behind this rapid change were two prominent conservative activists: Chaya Raichik, the creator of Libs of TikTok, and Christopher Rufo, a writer known for his efforts to push conservative education policies. Both have leveraged Musk’s platform, X, to bring their concerns to the attention of federal agencies. Raichik, who has built a following by attacking transgender individuals online, took aim at the FAFSA form, sparking an immediate response from the Education Department. Similarly, Rufo has targeted educational programs, such as the Comprehensive Centers, which provide support to schools addressing systemic issues like teacher shortages and improving math scores. After Rufo criticized these centers on social media, the Education Department announced it would terminate $226 million in grants to the program.
The Swift and Direct Impact of Social Media on Government Actions
The process, as outlined by Rufo, is straightforward: “We expose corruption on X. DOGE eliminates it in DC. Rinse and repeat.” This approach has proven highly effective, with changes to government policies and documents often happening within days—or even hours—of a viral post. For instance, when Rufo criticized the Equity Assistance Centers, a program aimed at desegregating schools, the Education Department swiftly cut $350 million in funding, including $33 million for those centers. Similarly, after Libs of TikTok highlighted medical forms given to servicemembers that included options for gender identity, the DOGE team quickly removed the section, stating, “The Gender Identity section has been deleted.”
The Role of Christopher Rufo and Chaya Raichik in Shaping Policy
Rufo and Raichik have become key players in this new era of policymaking, where social media influence directly translates into government action. Rufo, who has long campaigned against critical race theory and other progressive education policies, has used his platform to expose what he calls “left-wing ideological activism” masquerading as education. His efforts have led to the defunding of programs that provide critical support to schools, leaving educators and policymakers without essential resources. Raichik, on the other hand, has focused on erasing any references to transgender individuals in government documents, framing her efforts as a defense of traditional values.
The Broader Implications of This New Governance Model
While the speed and responsiveness of this new governance model may seem efficient, it raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability. The Education Department, for instance, has announced a host of budget cuts, eliminating contracts that fund research into effective teaching methods and other critical educational issues. Lawyers for the government have defended these actions by describing Musk’s team as merely advisory, but the swiftness with which proposals move from social media to policy changes suggests a more direct pipeline of influence. This has allowed activists to translate longstanding hostilities into concrete actions, often with little public debate or input from experts.
The Future of Governance in the Age of Social Media
The rise of DOGE and the direct influence of conservative activists like Rufo and Raichik signal a new era in governance, where policy decisions are increasingly shaped by social media trends rather than careful deliberation. While this approach may satisfy some conservatives who feel their voices are finally being heard, it raises important questions about the role of government in addressing the needs of all Americans, not just those who are active on platforms like X. As Musk’s operation continues to prioritize speed and responsiveness over traditional processes, the long-term consequences for education, healthcare, and other critical areas remain to be seen.
