Elon Musk’s DOGE Hires Second Indian Techie for Key Government Role

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Expenditure (DOGE) has appointed Indian-origin techie Nikhil Rajpal to a key role at NOAA, despite concerns about his expertise. The move aligns with DOGE’s aim to cut government costs. Meanwhile, a senior NOAA official has been placed on leave amid a broader DEI crackdown.

In a strategic move to streamline U.S. government spending, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Expenditure (DOGE) has appointed Indian-origin techie Nikhil Rajpal. According to a report by WIRED, Rajpal has been granted access to critical operations at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The hiring is part of Musk’s rapid recruitment drive aimed at cutting government expenditure. DOGE, launched under President Donald Trump’s administration, seeks to enhance fiscal efficiency within various federal agencies. Rajpal’s new position raises questions about transparency and expertise, as he reportedly has no direct experience in the field.

Sources indicate that Rajpal, a University of California, Berkeley graduate with a background in Computer Science and History, previously worked at Twitter before Musk’s acquisition in 2022. He has also contributed to the redesign of a Tesla console. However, his online presence has been significantly reduced, much like that of another Indian-origin DOGE recruit, Akash Bobba.

Adding to the controversy, Rajpal has been granted editor access to all NOAA Google sites, a move authorized by acting Commerce Secretary Jeremy Pelter. Meanwhile, a veteran NOAA employee with over four decades of experience, specializing in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has been placed on administrative leave just weeks before their retirement. This development follows a broader crackdown on DEI initiatives across various U.S. agencies.

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Despite concerns about his qualifications, Rajpal’s libertarian views align with DOGE’s vision of reducing government oversight. As DOGE continues its aggressive hiring strategy, the impact of these appointments on government operations remains to be seen.