Can Elon Musk's DOGE order a nuclear strike by the US? The answer is not yet

Billionaire Elon Musk’s closeness to US President Donald Trump has helped the Tesla boss spearhead an upheaval of American government agencies. With the Department of Energy also coming under the purview of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), there is concern that the X owner could have access to US nuclear secrets.

Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright has gone on air to deny rumours that DOGE staffers have access to US atomic secrets. In an interview to CNBC, he admitted that three staffers from DOGE were working in the Energy Department.

Wright had to issue this clarification after reports emerged that at least one DOGE staffer had been given access to the Energy Department's IT systems, despite initial objections. According to reports, a former SpaceX intern had gained access to basic IT functions like Microsoft 365.

What does the Department of Energy do?

One of the responsibilities of the department is to oversee the modernization and maintenance of the US’ nuclear arsenal. It is also charged with cleaning up nuclear waste. Under the Biden administration, the Department of Energy had announced expenditure of $8.2 billion to clean up Cold War-era nuclear waste. With Musk’s DOGE overseeing deep cuts in government expenditure, it is expected that funds might not be channeled for proper disposal of nuclear waste.

Also Read : Gmail under attack: Here’s why you shouldn’t switch to another email provider

Musk’s ‘Trump’ card

Elon Musk may override established protocol systems for a nuclear launch, the Verge reported. Trump, who has ordered sweeping changes in the government just days into his second term, might change the process to one that might be more easily wielded by another person than the president on Musk's advice.

Process for US nuclear launch: 'Football' and 'Biscuit'

Only the American President can order a launch by following a long process. The command and control system for America’s nuclear arsenal is not connected to the internet and operate on a closed network only for nuclear forces. Some of the equipment in the system is decades old.

To initiate a launch, the president needs to open up a leather-coated Zero Halliburton aluminum briefcase or ‘Football’. This contains communications equipment to connect with the National Military Command Center at the Pentagon.

To call the Pentagon, a laminated sheet of paper containing a long string of alpha-numeric code is needed. This is called the ‘Biscuit’. The code, which changes daily, confirms the identity of the president for calling in a nuclear strike.

Also Read : Elon Musk’s SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites aboard Falcon 9

FAQs

1. Do the Football and Biscuit always remain with the president?
Yes, he is expected to have them wherever he goes.

2. Can anyone else order a nuclear strike in the US?
No, the power is only given to the president.