“Musk’s Policy” Threatens Counterterrorism Efforts in the U.S.

12th March 2025

2 minutes read

"Musk’s Policy" Threatens Counterterrorism Efforts in the U.S.

Amid growing controversy, the government efficiency management and hiring reduction policy appears to be threatening the pillars of national security in the United States.

Although U.S. President Donald Trump exempted national security positions from restrictions imposed by the Government Efficiency Department, led by his close advisor Elon Musk, hiring for counterterrorism positions at the Department of the Treasury was halted last month.

The Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, which operates under the Treasury Department, is responsible for tracking terrorism financing and financial crimes and enforcing a broad range of government sanctions, according to the U.S. news outlet Axios.

The Treasury Department canceled all job offers for the Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence for individuals scheduled to start after February 8, according to a letter the department sent to Senate Democrats late last week.

This decision comes as Democrats criticize Trump and Elon Musk for their approach to dismantling federal agencies, arguing that the administration has cut jobs and programs without fully understanding the consequences.

In a statement to Axios, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren said:

“Instead of hiring key national security personnel, the Treasury Department appears to be following Elon Musk’s directive to leave crucial positions vacant, which jeopardizes its mission to keep the American people safe.”

Last month, Warren joined Senators Mark Warner (Democrat from Virginia) and Andy Kim (Democrat from New Jersey) in questioning the Treasury Department on whether the hiring freeze was affecting national security positions.

Axios obtained the Treasury Department’s response to lawmakers. In the letter, Jonathan Blum, Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, confirmed that the department had implemented a hiring freeze across the agency, including at the Office of Terrorism Financing.

This office, which has over 1,000 employees, oversees several national security operations, including anti-money laundering and counterterrorism financing enforcement, as well as the management of financial sanctions.