CAPAC Chair Meng, Indian American Members of Congress, and Leader Jeffries Condemn Musk for Rehiring DOGE Staffer Tied to Racist Posts
DOGE staffer linked to social media account with racist posts against Indian Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C - Today, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Grace Meng (NY-06), Whip Ami Bera (CA-06), Freshman Representative Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statements in response to Elon Musk rehiring DOGE staffer Marko Elez, who initially resigned over racist social media posts.
Statement from CAPAC Chair Meng and Indian American Members of Congress:
“We are outraged that Elon Musk is rehiring Marko Elez, a former DOGE staffer who resigned after being tied to a social media account that advocated to ‘normalize Indian hate’ and stated ‘I was racist before it was cool.’ The account also posted deeply troubling statements that supported eugenics and criticized interracial marriage.
“When given the opportunity to disavow Marko Elez, our nation’s leaders refused to do so. President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Elon Musk have decided to double down and rehire the self-described racist. Their response is disappointing but not surprising.
“When hateful ideologies become normalized, it is our communities that are put at risk. We saw this with the rise of anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hate has no place in American society, and this dangerous rhetoric must be condemned forcefully and unequivocally.
“The judgement reflected in these racist posts is disturbing and disqualifying, yet the Trump administration gave this individual access to Americans’ most sensitive personal and financial data, including Social Security numbers and bank account information. We demand accountability. Those involved in the hiring of Marko Elez must be fired.”
Statement from Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries:
“It is outrageous and deeply disturbing that Elon Musk and the Trump Administration would give an unqualified and self-described racist access to the highly sensitive personal and financial information of millions of Americans. The hate that Marko Elez has demonstrated towards the Indian American community is disqualifying and should be uniformly condemned. The decision to re-hire this individual proves once again that Elon Musk has no interest in protecting the safety and well-being of the American people.”