After several staff departures, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth picks a member of Elon Musk's DOGE team as a senior adviser - Bloomberg

After several staff departures, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth picks a member of Elon Musk's DOGE team as a senior adviser - Bloomberg

In a move that has surprised many, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has appointed a member of Elon Musk's DOGE team as a senior adviser. The appointment comes amidst ongoing turmoil within the Pentagon, following revelations of sensitive military information being discussed in Signal group chats and the purge of top aides [1].

The newly appointed senior adviser, whose name has not been disclosed, is believed to have significant expertise in digital currencies and blockchain technology. This appointment is seen as an attempt by Hegseth to leverage innovative technologies to enhance the Pentagon's operations and strategies [1].

The appointment has sparked speculation about the future of the Pentagon's leadership and the potential impact on US defense policy. Benjamin Friedman, policy director at Defense Priorities, a think-tank that advocates for a less interventionist US foreign policy, expressed concerns about Hegseth's lack of experience [1].

Meanwhile, Elon Musk's involvement in US politics continues to have significant implications for his businesses. Musk's role in the White House, including his controversial leadership of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), has caused "massive brand damage" to Tesla, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives [1]. Musk's admission that his position has brought damaging "blowback" for his electric-car maker underscores the complexities of his political involvement [1].

As the Pentagon grapples with internal issues and the appointment of new advisers, the focus remains on the stability and effectiveness of US defense policy. The appointment of a DOGE team member as a senior adviser highlights the Pentagon's interest in embracing new technologies to stay ahead in the global defense landscape [1].

References:
[1] https://www.ft.com/content/b40fd6b8-378d-481e-a535-9e9b89f1d084