“Akash Bobba, 22, Joins Elon Musk’s DOGE Team, Sparking Debate Over Young Engineers’ Access to Classified Government Systems”
Akash Bobba, a 22-year-old engineer of Indian origin, has captured widespread attention after being named one of six young engineers recruited by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The hiring of these engineers, all aged between 19 and 24, has sparked controversy due to their extraordinary access to classified government systems.
Bobba’s journey to this high-profile position has been nothing short of remarkable. A graduate of UC Berkeley’s prestigious Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology program, he has demonstrated exceptional talent in AI, data analytics, and financial modeling. His now-deleted LinkedIn profile listed past experiences at top-tier tech firms, including Meta, Palantir, and Bridgewater Associates.
Peers have long recognized Bobba’s brilliance. A former classmate, Charis Zhang, recalled a moment at Berkeley when Bobba rewrote an entire deleted codebase overnight, securing top marks for his team. His ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver outstanding results has set him apart in the tech world.
At just 19, Bobba contributed to AI model development at Meta. By 20, he was interning at Palantir, gaining experience in handling sensitive data. At 21, he graduated from UC Berkeley, and now, at 22, he has been granted top-level clearance to work on rebuilding critical US government systems.
Bobba is part of an elite group of engineers hired for DOGE, including Edward Coristine, Luke Farritor, Gautier Cole Killian, Gavin Kliger, and Ethan Shaotran. Reports indicate that at least four of them, including Bobba, have access to classified federal IT and physical systems through the General Services Administration (GSA). This level of clearance, usually reserved for senior government officials, has raised concerns about regulatory oversight and security risks.
Critics argue that such young, relatively inexperienced individuals being placed in sensitive government roles is an unprecedented move. Experts like Don Moynihan, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, have highlighted the lack of congressional oversight in this hiring process. The rapid rise of Bobba and his peers has led to speculation about the motivations behind DOGE’s recruitment strategy, especially given Amanda Scales’ role as chief of staff. Scales, previously involved in hiring for Musk’s AI company xAI, is believed to have played a key role in selecting this group of engineers.
As this story continues to unfold, concerns regarding government transparency, security risks, and the influence of private-sector tech leaders on public administration remain at the forefront. Bobba’s trajectory is undoubtedly extraordinary, but it also raises critical questions about the future of government efficiency and accountability in the digital age.
