Energy Secretary Chris Wright has moved to quell worries about Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffers having access to sensitive information at the Department of Energy (DOE). Speaking to CNBC, Wright firmly denied claims that these staffers could access nuclear secrets.
The controversy emerged after reports revealed that a DOGE staffer had gained access to DOE’s IT systems despite internal resistance. Wright confirmed that three DOGE staffers currently work within the department, but emphasized they operate under strict security protocols.
“I’ve heard these rumors. They’re like seeing our nuclear secrets. None of that is true at all,” Wright stated during his CNBC interview. He further clarified, “I know exactly who they are. They run through, checked by our security, and they have access to look around, talk to people, and give us some good feedback on how things are going.”
DOGE Cybersecurity Concerns Raised After Staffing Revelations
The discussion was sparked by a CNN report identifying Luke Farritor, a 23-year-old former SpaceX intern, as one of the DOGE representatives granted access to basic DOGE IT systems, including email and Microsoft 365. Wright characterized these staffers as “young gun management consultants coming in to take a critical look at how things are run,” noting their strong IT and systems expertise.
The situation has drawn additional scrutiny following the resignation of Marko Elez, a 25-year-old DOGE staff member after The Wall Street Journal connected him to social media posts containing racist content. Before his departure, Elez had received approval from a federal judge to access the Treasury Department’s payment system, albeit with data-sharing restrictions.
Controversies and Challenges for the New Energy Secretary
Wright, who assumed his role as Energy Secretary on February 3, 2025, brings significant industry experience to the position. Before his appointment, he served as chairman and CEO of Liberty Energy, a fracking specialist, and held a board position at Oklo as a small modular reactor developer, from which he resigned upon confirmation.
The new Energy Secretary has outlined an ambitious agenda focused on expanding U.S. power supplies and reducing electricity costs. During his confirmation hearing, Wright expressed his commitment to growing the electricity grid and energy production while eliminating progress barriers. His vision encompasses the expansion of all “affordable, reliable… pure energy” sources, including renewables.
Wright’s approach to energy policy has sparked discussion, particularly his views on climate change. While acknowledging its reality, he has taken a nuanced stance, stating that “there isn’t dirty energy or clean energy,” but rather different energy sources with varying tradeoffs.
Since taking office, Wright has prioritized nuclear power modernization and aims to remove political influences from energy discussions. He recently issued a secretarial order to “unleash American Energy,” directing agencies to review policies that might hinder domestic energy resource development, including nuclear power.
The Energy Secretary maintains that DOGE staffers “don’t have anybody’s proprietary information” and their presence serves to enhance departmental efficiency. As the DOE continues its critical work in energy security and development, Wright’s leadership will likely face ongoing scrutiny over these and other policy decisions.
