Discover What a Texas Oil Exec Connected to DOGE is Up to in the Interior Department

Published: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 4:14 am

Texas Oil Exec with DOGE Ties Faces Scrutiny at Interior Department

A Texas oil executive with connections to Elon Musk's government efficiency team, Tyler Hassen, is under fire for his role in reforming the Interior Department. Appointed by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Hassen, who lacks Senate confirmation and public administration experience, has been tasked with reorganizing the department, which oversees 70,000 employees across 11 agencies, including the National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and environmental groups, are raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Hassen has not divested from his energy investments or made an ethics pledge, despite his significant influence over resource-rich public lands. Financial disclosure reports reveal he earned millions annually from oilfield services companies owned by John Fitzgibbons, who has strong ties to Russia. Hassen also holds stock in cryptocurrency mining and security companies.

Hassen's actions have drawn further scrutiny. He has extended a Trump-era freeze on regulations and sought to fire a top department lawyer who refused him access to a sensitive personnel database. A draft strategic plan includes increasing fossil fuel production and reducing regulations. Critics argue that his appointment circumvents Senate oversight and potentially violates the law.

The Interior Department defends Hassen's role, stating he is helping achieve the President's vision for major changes. However, the situation has prompted calls for investigation and a halt to his reorganization efforts.

Keywords: Tyler Hassen, Interior Department, Doug Burgum, DOGE, Elon Musk, oil executive, conflict of interest, Senate confirmation, ethics, environmental concerns, fossil fuels, regulations, John Fitzgibbons, Russia, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, energy production, government oversight, strategic plan, financial disclosure, public lands, Texas, oil industry.

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