A new AP investigation has revealed troubling ties between Tyler Hassen, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and his private business interests in the energy sector.

As AP writes, "a Texas oil executive from Elon Musk’s government efficiency team has been given sweeping powers to overhaul the federal department that manages vast tracts of resource-rich public lands, but he hasn’t divested his energy investments or filed an ethics commitment to break ties with companies that pose a conflict of interest, records show."

"Before joining DOGE, Hassen spent nearly two decades as an executive at Basin Holdings, an enterprise involved in the manufacture, sale and servicing of oil rigs worldwide. A financial disclosure report obtained by AP shows Hassen made millions annually from these companies, owned by John Fitzgibbons — an industry giant who is well-connected in Russia".

According to various reports, Hassen allegedly used his influence to push for projects that overlapped with his personal investments, halt various permissions that would damage businesses he's linked to. 

This is not just unethical — it may be a violation of federal conflict-of-interest laws.

While DOGE is supposed to “cut waste and corruption,” Hassen may be using it as a tool for personal gain, exploiting his role to shape energy and land policy in ways that benefit himself and his network.

We call on the House Oversight Committee and Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee to launch an immediate investigation into Tyler Hassen’s actions and business connections.

Audit all DOGE-related permits and approvals tied to energy infrastructure. Enforce ethics rules and ensure federal officials are held accountable for self-dealing.

Public service should never be a backdoor to private profit.