Why Elon Musk installed his top lieutenants at a federal agency you probably haven't heard of

The General Services Administration is playing an outsized role in the Trump administration’s quest to slash costs and bring the federal government to heel.

GSA is a critical cog in Musk 's stated efforts to slash billions of dollars in federal spending.

Its acting administrator is a Silicon Valley tech executive with expertise in rolling out artificial intelligence tools and a wife who once worked for Musk at his social media company, X.

Another close Musk adviser is driving the initiative to unload the government's real estate.

A lawsuit brought by fired Twitter employees in 2023 alleged that Hollander and Davis were part of a 'cadre of sycophants' who were particularly zealous in implementing Musk ’s mandate overhaul of the social media company.

The suit claimed the pair, following their boss’ orders, circumvented San Francisco building and safety codes, ignored their obligation to pay vendors and landlords.

Attorneys for Musk and X have moved to dismiss the lawsuit, arguing that the Delaware federal court lacks jurisdiction and the lawsuit is legally groundless.

Amira Boland , a behavioral scientist at GSA during the first Trump administration, said that trimming government was a good idea but described some of DOGE ’s cuts as “reckless.” “There is certainly bureaucracy that needs to be eliminated,” Boland said, “but you have to know the stakes you’re playing with.” ___ Goodman reported from Miami and Burke from San Francisco . ___.