Amy Gleason has been confirmed as the acting administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a team within the Trump administration focused on cutting government costs. While many have speculated that Elon Musk was leading the initiative, the White House has now clarified that he is not officially in charge. Instead, Musk remains a White House employee and a senior advisor to President Trump.
The announcement is the first time the White House has publicly named the person overseeing DOGE. Despite this confirmation, officials have not provided further details on why Gleason was chosen for the role.
Musk’s involvement in DOGE remains significant
While Musk does not hold the official title of DOGE administrator, his actions, public statements, and support from the White House suggest he plays a major role in shaping the team’s direction. President Trump has openly backed Musk’s involvement in government efficiency efforts, further fuelling speculation about the tech billionaire’s influence within DOGE.
DOGE was established through an executive order signed by President Trump on January 20. The order renamed the U.S. Digital Service and assigned teams of “special government employees” to various federal agencies. As acting administrator, Gleason reports directly to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
Since DOGE’s formation, Musk’s associates—including individuals linked to his private ventures—have gained extensive access to government systems and sensitive data, including the personal information of millions of Americans. This has raised concerns over the extent of Musk’s influence and the potential risks associated with private-sector involvement in government operations.
Who is Amy Gleason?
According to her LinkedIn profile, Gleason joined the U.S. Digital Service in January 2025 as a senior advisor. Before taking on this role, she worked as a consultant in the private sector, serving as chief product officer at Russell Street Ventures from December 2021 to November 2024. She also worked as a digital services expert at the U.S. Digital Service between October 2018 and December 2021.
Despite her appointment, the White House has not elaborated on why Gleason was selected to lead DOGE. The secrecy surrounding her role and Musk’s continued involvement with DOGE will likely fuel further debate over transparency within the Trump administration’s cost-cutting initiative.
