WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new controversy has emerged surrounding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, after reports revealed that Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old former cybersecurity intern with a history of alleged data leaks, now holds a senior advisory role with access to highly sensitive U.S. government information.
Coristine’s rapid ascent from an intern at Path Network, a cybersecurity firm, to a senior advisor for DOGE—an agency with access to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)—has alarmed lawmakers, cybersecurity experts, and federal employees alike.
A Troubled Past: Coristine’s Controversial Cybersecurity Internship
At just 17 years old, Coristine was accused of leaking proprietary information from Path Network to a competitor. Internal company disputes, audio recordings, and leaked screenshots reveal:
- Internal conflicts: Executives debated whether to keep Coristine, fearing he could use sensitive information maliciously if terminated.
- Alleged leaks: Coristine was suspected of sharing internal data with competitors.
- Post-termination access: Coristine later boasted on Discord about maintaining access to Path Network’s systems months after his termination.
“You’re willing to risk our entire network to a 17-year-old?” a frustrated executive asked during a recorded company meeting, obtained by CNN.
Despite his alleged misconduct, Coristine’s growing influence now extends into the federal government’s most sensitive databases—a development raising urgent questions about national security risks.
Why Is Coristine’s Role in DOGE So Concerning?
Now serving as a senior advisor to DOGE, Coristine reportedly has access to:
- Classified systems within Homeland Security, FEMA, and CISA.
- Sensitive financial data at agencies like the IRS and Treasury Department.
- Social Security Administration (SSA) records, including personal information of millions of Americans.
What’s unclear—and causing significant concern—is how Coristine, with a questionable cybersecurity background, was vetted for his current role. According to experts like Nick Bednar of the University of Minnesota Law School:
“The federal government has more data on American citizens than almost any other institution. If we’re going to just remove the guardrails, there’s no saying which actors may gain access to that.”
Lawmakers Demand Transparency and Accountability
Top Democrats have raised alarms over DOGE’s operations and personnel choices:
- Lack of vetting: No formal information has been provided to Congress about how DOGE staff, including Coristine, were vetted.
- Conflicts of interest: Given Elon Musk’s leadership roles in both DOGE and SpaceX, lawmakers worry about potential ethical violations related to government contracts.
- Data privacy concerns: Democratic lawmakers recently pressed the White House for information on DOGE’s staff, citing the absence of Congressional oversight.
“No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting its staff,” Democratic lawmakers wrote in a formal inquiry.
The Bigger Threat: DOGE’s Unchecked Access to Sensitive Data
DOGE’s mission to streamline government efficiency has granted it unprecedented access to sensitive data across numerous federal agencies:
- Social Security information, including citizens’ legal names, income, and Social Security numbers.
- IRS systems, holding tax records and financial data.
- Treasury Department payment systems, raising concerns over potential interference with federal transactions.
What’s particularly troubling is DOGE’s lack of transparency regarding its personnel and their authority within these agencies. Several federal employees reported DOGE associates refusing to identify themselves during meetings, deepening concerns about oversight and accountability.
A Security Risk in the Making?
Coristine’s track record only adds fuel to the fire:
- Leaked chat logs reveal he allegedly boasted about retaining unauthorized access to Path Network’s systems post-termination.
- His past online behavior included using the moniker “Big Balls” and engaging in conversations with individuals connected to cybercrime communities.
Even Kyan Gomes, Coristine’s former colleague at Path Network, expressed doubts about his suitability for a government role:
“I do not believe Edward should have access to sensitive government information,” Gomes said, emphasizing the potential security risks of DOGE’s actions.
What’s Next for DOGE and Coristine?
With increasing scrutiny from Congress and growing public concern, the future of DOGE’s operations—and Coristine’s role—remains uncertain. Key developments to watch include:
- Congressional hearings: Lawmakers are likely to investigate DOGE’s hiring practices, especially concerning Coristine’s background.
- Potential legal action: Ongoing lawsuits against DOGE over alleged privacy violations may intensify.
- Increased oversight: Agencies like DHS and CISA could implement stricter controls on DOGE’s access to sensitive data.
