Wed Feb 05 15:30:00 IST 2025: ## Musk Claims Government Tech Team “Deleted” After USAID Shutdown Speculation

**Washington, D.C. —** Billionaire Elon Musk has claimed that the General Services Administration’s (GSA) 18F technology team, responsible for projects like the IRS’s free online tax filing system, has been “deleted.” Musk’s assertion, made via his X platform, follows recent events including the reported shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) website and email systems.

While the 18F team’s X account is no longer active, the GSA has yet to officially comment on the team’s status or the future of its projects, including the Direct File tax program. One TTS employee told Nextgov/FCW that staff are still able to perform their work. However, Musk’s claims have sparked concern, especially given his reported involvement in the USAID shutdown and recent visits to GSA and the Office of Personnel Management.

The 18F team, housed within the Technology Transformation Service (TTS), has been the target of criticism from some Republicans. Calls to shutter the free online tax filing system, a project 18F helped build, have been made, although the system remains operational for the current tax season.

Musk’s actions have fueled speculation about the extent of his influence on federal agencies. His posts alleging the 18F team’s deletion followed previous reports of his associates receiving access to government buildings and holding one-on-one meetings with TTS employees. The timing also coincides with a Trump administration directive to end programs and remove online references to “gender ideology” and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The situation remains unclear, with the GSA yet to provide clarification on the status of the 18F team and TTS. The impact of these potential changes on various government services, including the identity proofing system and AI training programs managed by TTS, remains to be seen. The ongoing uncertainty has left federal tech grant recipients anxious about the future.

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