US Marshals Service deputizes Musk's security team: Reports
(The Hill) - The U.S. Marshals Service has deputized some of tech billionaire Elon Musk's private security detail, giving them specific rights and protections of federal law enforcement agents, multiple outlets reported Friday.
Concerns for Musk's safety have ramped up in recent weeks as the Tesla CEO faces mounting scrutiny over carrying out President Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) efforts at various federal agencies.
DOGE's work has led to mass layoffs of federal workers, closures of entire independent agencies and access to sensitive information.
The DOJ, White House and Secret Service did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment.
Despite his closeness to the White House, Musk does not have a U.S. Secret Service security detail, limiting his personal detail's abilities.
With the deputation of some of his security members, they can carry weapons on federal grounds and if an issue occurred with the detail, the Marshals Service could be held legally liable, CNN reported Friday.
The deputation, which is typically requested to the U.S. Deputy Attorney General, is in effect for one year, according to the DOJ, but renewal can be requested if the circumstances call for it.
Musk appeared at the Conservative Political Action Conference on Thursday, during which he responded to concerns surrounding some death threats he has received over the past month.
“Look, I’m open to ideas about improving security, I have to tell you. Like, I don’t actually have a death wish, I think, but it’s not that easy,” Musk said.
The moderator suggested the Tesla CEO has an “enormous” security team, to which he said, “It’s not that enormous. It should be bigger, I don’t know.”
"President [Nayib] Bukele from El Salvador, who managed to put in prison like a hundred thousand murderous thugs, and he called me, ''I am worried about your security,'" Musk recounted. "I'm like, 'Dude, you are worried about my security?'"
Still, Musk indicated he is pushing forward with DOGE's efforts.
“We’re fighting the Matrix big time here, but it’s got to be done,” Musk said.