People can’t help but wonder these days—who’s really pulling the strings behind DOGE? Is it Elon Musk or is it the newly appointed acting administrator, Amy Gleason? A recent interview on the YouTube channel “What’s the Fix?!” has everyone talking.
Back in 2010, Amy Gleason was more than just a healthcare professional; she was a worried mother. Her daughter Morgan had been enduring unexplained symptoms for so long—rashes, muscle weakness severe enough to prevent her from climbing stairs. It took over a year until doctors diagnosed Morgan with a rare, life-threatening autoimmune disease. That ordeal lit a fire under Gleason, inspiring her to make a difference for patients facing mysterious health challenges.
“If doctors had seen all this in one place, they might have questioned why a young girl was constantly visiting the doctor,” Gleason mentioned during her 2020 TEDx Talk, hinting at the possibility of a quicker diagnosis if medical history had been more accessible.
Until recently, Gleason, at 53, was relatively under the radar, diligently working to simplify healthcare data. Then, in a surprising twist, the White House revealed she’d been chosen to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a stepping stone into the Trump administration’s spotlight.
Previously, Gleason worked with the U.S. Digital Service on health data projects, and her experience spans both the Trump and Biden administrations. Her expertise is unquestionable, but there’s a shroud of mystery around her new role. The White House has been tight-lipped about the specifics of her appointment.
Speculation is rife that Elon Musk might still be the puppet master. Even as Gleason holds the acting administrator title, Musk’s shadow looms large—his name is often synonymous with DOGE, raising eyebrows and legal queries about the operation’s leadership. Although Gleason remains silent, her reputation paints a picture of intelligence and indispensable value, according to peers.
“She’s perfect for the job,” Dr. Gregg Alexander, a long-time acquaintance, noted. “She’s always been about doing right by people.”
However, concerns linger among some former colleagues that Gleason might inadvertently become involved in program cuts that are dear to her, like those affecting rare disease research—a personally important area since her daughter’s diagnosis. Gleason’s friends describe her as apolitical and driven by the pursuit of better healthcare record accessibility. Her time at the U.S. Digital Service bears witness to her commitment to this cause.
Before assuming her current role, Gleason’s career was deeply rooted in both tech and healthcare sectors. She held leadership roles at different companies and startups, including a pivotal position at CareSync, a business she co-founded. Her professional path, chronicled on LinkedIn, showcases how she spent her recent years contributing to initiatives like Main Street Health and Russell Street Ventures—a testament to her ongoing impact in the health sector.
Adding to the intrigue, Brad Smith, a trusted early DOGE member, reportedly included Gleason in cost-cutting discussions concerning Musk, according to inside sources. Meanwhile, Tom Cooke, a retired executive familiar with Gleason, expressed his trust in her, despite skepticism toward Musk.
Cooke’s faith in Gleason is unwavering, believing she will bring integrity and transparency to her job, regardless of external pressures. He reminisced about her capability and warm approach to people, a sentiment shared by many who have worked with her.
Even among the surprises and skepticism surrounding her new role, Gleason’s friends portray her as a genuine person, bursting with humor and dedication. Her love for the Tennessee Volunteers and jovial nature serve as a contrast to the serious business she handles professionally.
Gleason’s fascination with healthcare technology has been a longstanding passion. It stretches back to her early days as an emergency room nurse, where she quickly grasped the power of tech in healthcare. Her career, peppered with lessons from her parents about embracing mistakes and following dreams, reflects why she remains a respected figure in this field.
