Elon Musk’s DOGE Staffer Now Controls National Parks Budget
A former oil executive with ties to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been given sweeping control over America’s national parks and endangered species programs.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has handed unprecedented administrative powers to Tyler Hassen, who previously served as CEO of Basin Energy and CFO of oil supplier Basin Holdings.
The Interior Department manages all U.S. national parks, protects endangered species, and oversees development on public lands, writes Newsweek.
Redundant initiatives
According to an April 17 order obtained by The Washington Post, Hassen now has authority to cut costs, ‘create significant efficiencies’ and eliminate ‘redundant’ initiatives across the department. The order specifically empowers him to ‘effectuate the consolidation, unification and optimization of administrative functions’.
A department employee revealed that Hassen has been reviewing all grants and contracts worth $50,000 or more. Another DOGE aide, Matt Luby, is involved in approving new expenditures and has sought access to the department’s internal grant management system.
The move has sparked fierce criticism. “If Doug Burgum doesn’t want this job, he should quit now,” said Jennifer Rokala, executive director of the Center for Western Priorities. “Instead, it looks like Burgum plans to sit by the fire eating warm cookies while Elon Musk’s lackeys dismantle our national parks and public lands.”
Radical liberal groups
The Interior Department fired back: “The Center for Western Priorities is an anti-Trump organization that advocates against practical and affordable energy development—so it’s not surprising that they would join radical liberal groups in opposing government efficiency efforts that lower costs for the American people.”
The department’s spokesperson added: “The secretary’s order directs the [assistant secretary of policy, management and budget] to ensure that President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to restore accountability to the American public is carried out, and through this optimization effort, the department will continue to prioritize retaining first responders, parks and services and energy production employees.”
Don’t make sense
Hassen defended his role last month, telling Fox News: “When things come to my attention that don’t make sense, I’m bringing them to Secretary Burgum. He’s a businessman. He’s very supportive of DOGE.”
Hassen will serve as acting assistant secretary of policy, management and budget through May 31, unless extended. The Trump administration has not yet named a permanent nominee for the position, which requires Senate confirmation.
