USA (Commonwealth Union)_ Indian-origin engineer Akash Bobba has recently gained widespread attention after being selected as one of six young engineers hired by Elon Musk’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The 22-year-old’s impressive credentials in AI, data analysis, and financial modeling have made him one of the most notable figures in Musk’s innovative initiative, although the decision to grant him significant access to sensitive government systems has sparked controversy. Bobba, a rising star in the world of technology, was chosen to be a part of a team tasked with improving and streamlining government systems. DOGE, established by Musk, aims to optimize bureaucratic processes and modernize government infrastructure with the help of young, tech-savvy talent. Bobba and his colleagues, all aged between 19 and 24, reportedly have special access to classified systems, which has raised questions about security, oversight, and the wisdom of granting such access to engineers with relatively little experience.
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As per internal records, Bobba is listed as an expert in government databases, specifically within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), where he reports directly to Amanda Scales, DOGE’s chief of staff. Scales, who previously worked with Musk’s AI company xAI, has been instrumental in assembling this young team, further fueling speculation about Bobba’s swift rise within the government landscape. Bobba’s academic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. A graduate of the prestigious Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology program at the University of California, Berkeley, he demonstrated outstanding talent in coding from an early age. According to his deleted LinkedIn profile, in addition to his academic success, Bobba had interned at leading tech firms such as Meta, Palantir, and Bridgewater Associates. These experiences honed his skills in AI, data analysis, and financial modeling, making him a sought-after engineer in the industry.
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Charis Zhang, a former classmate of Bobba at UC Berkeley, recently shared a memorable story highlighting his extraordinary coding abilities. Zhang recounted an incident when, just days before an important project deadline, Bobba’s teammate accidentally deleted their entire codebase. While the rest of the team panicked, Bobba remained calm and managed to rewrite the entire project from scratch in one night, delivering the completed work ahead of the deadline and earning top marks. Zhang’s post on social media about the incident quickly went viral, further cementing Bobba’s reputation as a brilliant coder. In addition to Bobba, DOGE has also recruited five other young engineers: Edward Coristine, Luke Farritor, Gautier Cole Killian, Gavin Kliger, and Ethan Shaotran. These engineers have also gained attention for their remarkable resumes, but Bobba stands out due to his status as one of the youngest members of the team.
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The team’s meteoric rise has not come without criticism. At just 19, Bobba had already written AI models for Meta. By 20, he interned at Palantir, and at 21, he graduated from Berkeley. By the time he turned 22, Bobba had gained classified access to systems aimed at overhauling US government infrastructure. This rapid progression has led to growing concerns about the extent of their power and access to government data. Several reports indicate that at least four of the six engineers, including Bobba, hold top-level security clearances at the General Services Administration (GSA). This access has given them control over both physical and IT systems within government agencies, privileges typically reserved for more seasoned professionals. Critics argue that placing young, relatively inexperienced individuals in positions of such responsibility could compromise the stability and security of sensitive government operations.
The backlash has been intense, especially after it was revealed that Bobba and his colleagues hold official government email accounts and security clearances usually reserved for veterans in the field. Many have expressed concern on social media, with one user noting that “The private information of every American is now in the hands of six guys not old enough to rent a car.” Additionally, during a media interview, public policy professor Don Moynihan highlighted the unusual nature of the situation. He remarked, “These individuals are not public officials, yet they have access to highly sensitive government data. Congress has no real way to step in or keep track of what’s happening.”
In response to the growing backlash, Elon Musk has publicly defended his team, emphasizing that the criticism directed at his engineers is unlawful. He warned that any individuals making violent or threatening comments would face legal consequences. Musk also pointed to the historical role young talent has played in the development of groundbreaking technologies, citing examples like NASA and Apple, as evidence that the recruitment of young engineers for high-profile projects is not unprecedented. Despite the controversy, Bobba and his colleagues are expected to remain in the public eye as they continue their work with DOGE. While Musk’s vision for government efficiency through technology has its proponents, the debate over the role of young, untested engineers in positions of power is likely to persist. For now, the world watches closely as Bobba and his team forge ahead with their ambitious mission to reshape the future of government systems.
