NEW YORK — In 2023, shortly after stepping into the role of Wired’s global editorial director, Katie Drummond decided to form a team focused on the critical overlap of technology and politics, foreseeing its importance in the upcoming presidential election.
This unexpected initiative has greatly benefited Wired, drawing widespread attention for its incisive reporting on Elon Musk’s moves to shrink federal employment under the Trump administration. Wired’s insightful investigations have shed light on Musk’s young appointees and their growing influence within the government.
“We were strategically positioned to tackle these developments,” Drummond commented.
Wired’s investigations have highlighted figures like 25-year-old engineer Marko Elez, who accessed key Treasury Department systems, and 19-year-old Edward Coristine, employed by a federal cybersecurity agency. A recent report by Brian Barrett exposed several errors within Musk’s government efficiency team, such as rehiring essential employees after mistakenly letting them go and overstating project savings from $8 million to $8 billion. Barrett stated, “As the de facto CEO of the USA, Musk’s performance is disappointing and frankly embarrassing.”
This bold journalism has reaped rewards for Wired, adding 62,500 new subscribers in the U.S. during just the first half of February. With a total of 19.5 million subscribers for its digital and print publications last year, Wired’s global reach extends to an audience of 57 million.
A recent Zoom event organized by Wired attracted over 1,000 participants, eager to engage with the journalists behind these stories. Media critic Parker Molloy praised Wired’s commitment to probing journalism, saying, “Wired’s reporters delve beyond public statements, exploring the realities behind the news.”
Drummond emphasizes that Wired’s investigative reporting is not part of any movement. “This information is vital and newsworthy,” she asserted. “It’s critical to share this transparently.”
Originally launched in 1993 to document the pulse of Silicon Valley, Wired found a new home in 1998 at Conde Nast. Drummond began her media journey as a Wired intern in 2009 and returned to the publication after senior roles at Vice Media.
In developing a new team comprising three reporters and two editors, Drummond anticipated a growing intersection of business and politics, which Wired was primed to explore. Although initial concerns centered on disinformation impacting the 2024 campaign, attention shifted to the synergy between the Trump campaign and tech moguls, especially Musk.
Even before Musk became a focal point, Wired was prepared to cover him due to their history of examining his business ventures and persona. As Musk’s influence on federal bureaucracy grew, Wired prioritized unveiling the team he mobilized.
Despite commendation, not all responses have been positive. Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk reproached Wired, alleging it vilified young government employees.
Jennifer Grygiel, a communication professor at Syracuse University, countered that Wired’s reporting did not constitute doxxing, as it involved public employees.
A now-deleted social media post from a Virginia professor that named some workers, urging their public identification, drew Musk’s ire, labeling it “a crime,” reported The New York Times.
Drummond defended Wired’s efforts against criticism, underscoring the commitment to accurate, verified reporting. Initially surprised by other media outlets’ delayed response to Wired’s groundbreaking coverage, she expressed satisfaction as they joined in.
“Pioneering this trail and guiding other organizations towards this important narrative fills me with pride,” Drummond said, asserting Wired’s dedication to closely monitoring Musk, the Trump administration, and ongoing federal changes.
