- The U.S. Marshals Service has deputized Elon Musk’s private security team, granting them rights and protections typically reserved for federal law enforcement agents. The move comes amid heightened security concerns following his appointment to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
- The deputation allows Musk’s team to carry firearms on federal property and make arrests. The full extent of their powers remains unclear.
- The Marshals Service typically deputizes law enforcement officers, not private security personnel, raising concerns about the precedent it sets.
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The U.S. Marshals Service reportedly deputized members of Elon Musk’s private security team, according to multiple law enforcement sources. The move granted them certain rights and protections typically reserved for federal law enforcement agents.
However, the number of security personnel granted this status remains unknown.
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The move follows heightened security concerns for Musk, who President Donald Trump appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
In recent weeks, Musk publicly referenced threats to his safety. Reports also indicated that his security team sought expanded authority in Washington, D.C.
What powers do deputized security officers have?
The full extent of the powers granted to Musk’s security team remains unclear. Generally, special deputy U.S. Marshals can carry firearms on federal property and may be authorized to detain individuals in certain situations.
However, the specific authorities granted to Musk’s security detail remain unknown.
A law enforcement source told CNN that deputation also means the Marshals Service could be held legally responsible if an incident involving Musk’s security team were to occur.
How unusual is this move?
While the Marshals Service frequently deputizes law enforcement officers to assist in major security operations—such as during a presidential inauguration—deputizing private security officers is rare but not unprecedented.
The agency has deputized security details for high-profile government officials, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose protection came from federal law enforcement. However, sources said extending these protections to private security personnel who are not sworn law enforcement officers is unusual.
Why doesn’t Musk have Secret Service protection?
The White House has not issued Musk a Secret Service detail, though Trump could authorize one via executive order.
The Secret Service protects the president, vice president, their families and select high-ranking officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi declined to comment on Musk’s security arrangements. However, he noted that private security officers are not permitted to carry weapons inside federal buildings.
What are the broader implications?
The decision to deputize Musk’s security team has raised concerns among law enforcement officials. They questioned the precedent it sets.
Sources familiar with the situation stated Musk’s security detail has attracted attention due to its size and presence in Washington.
Musk addressed the issue at the Conservative Political Action Conference, saying, “It’s not enormous. Maybe it should be bigger.”
As Musk continues to head the Department of Government Efficiency, which has managed budget cuts across federal agencies, his security situation remains a subject of discussion in both political and law enforcement circles.
