The decision by the U.S. Marshals Service to grant federal authority to members of Elon Musk’s private security team has raised serious questions after newly released government emails showed that some of those guards did not meet basic training requirements. The records, obtained through a legal request, offer a rare look at how federal agencies handled security arrangements for one of the most powerful figures in the United States during his time in government.
Emails Reveal U.S. Marshals Service Approved Waivers for Underqualified Security Staff
Documents from the U.S. Marshals Service show that officials approved a request in February 2025 to deputize Elon Musk’s private security team. This decision allowed his guards to carry weapons inside certain federal buildings while continuing to provide him protection during his time in government.
However, internal emails revealed a serious concern. Some members of the security team did not meet the agency’s minimum standards. Typically, individuals must complete a formal law enforcement training program or have at least one year of relevant experience with arrest authority.
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An email dated February 10 noted that several guards required special waivers due to missing qualifications. Just three days later, senior official Rich Kelly approved those waivers, allowing the deputation to proceed. The deputation granted limited powers, meaning the guards could carry weapons but were not authorized to make arrests or act as full law enforcement officers.
Role of the White House and Musk’s Government Position
The emails also suggest that the request to deputize the guards came from the White House. At the time, Elon Musk was serving as a senior adviser to Donald Trump and was leading an initiative known as the Department of Government Efficiency, often referred to as DOGE. His role placed him close to key decision-making processes within the government, giving him significant influence over policy discussions and administrative actions.
Musk held this position from January 2025 until his departure in May of the same year. During this period, he played a central role in efforts aimed at reducing government spending and restructuring several federal agencies. His aggressive approach to cutting costs and reorganizing departments sparked debate across political circles and drew criticism from various groups.
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The deputation request came at a time when Musk was actively working on plans to dismantle parts of the federal system, including agencies like the U.S. Agency for International Development. These efforts attracted widespread attention and controversy, increasing concerns about potential threats to his safety. As a result, discussions around enhancing his security presence gained urgency.
A memo in the released documents stated that the U.S. Marshals Service planned to deputize his security team due to “significant and credible threats” against him. However, the move raised questions, as such deputations are typically reserved for specific law enforcement operations rather than private security arrangements.
Legal Scrutiny and Growing Concerns
The documents were released after a request under the Freedom of Information Act filed by Democracy Forward, which has been examining Elon Musk’s role in government. The group had to file a lawsuit to obtain the records, which were later shared with the media.
The emails have increased scrutiny on the U.S. Marshals Service. A watchdog report issued months earlier had already criticized the agency for deputizing individuals who did not meet proper eligibility standards, raising concerns about its internal processes.
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Concerns were also raised within the government. A lawyer for Senator Richard Durbin questioned the risks of allowing unqualified individuals to carry weapons under federal authority. The emails also show coordination between agencies and Musk’s team, including discussions about using federal marshals to help DOGE staff access government systems.
In March 2025, federal marshals escorted officials into the U.S. African Development Foundation, with mentions of links to the January 6 Capitol attack. Musk also spoke publicly about his security. It remains unclear if the deputation is still active, and officials have not provided clear answers.