Who is Edward Coristine? Former DOGE hire ‘Big Balls’ attacked while saving women in US capital praised by Donald Trump and Elon Musk |
Former DOGE employee Edward Coristine is once again making headlines – and this time, he has unexpectedly brought Donald Trump and Elon Musk onto the same page. Coristine, a former employee of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reportedly intervened in a violent carjacking attempt in Washington, D.C., protecting a woman but suffering severe injuries in the process. Trump and Musk, often seen at odds politically, both rallied online in support of Coristine and called for action on crime in the US capital. This incident not only reignited discussions about public safety but also marked an unusual alignment between two of America’s most influential figures.
Who is Edward Coristine
At just 19 years old, Edward Coristine has already become a controversial public figure. He first gained attention as a DOGE employee, a Musk-backed initiative focused on reducing fraud and waste in US government operations. Known for his unconventional nickname (originally chosen as a joke), Coristine leveraged social media to build a unique personal brand that rejected corporate formality.Earlier this year, Coristine revealed in a Fox News interview that the nickname was intentionally lighthearted, aimed at countering the overly serious tone of platforms like LinkedIn. He quickly became known as a risk-taker with a unique approach to public service.
Coristine went from student to trusted DOGE hire working on key federal systems
Coristine wasn’t just a meme-worthy nickname; he held real responsibilities. Reports suggest he was one of only two DOGE employees granted exclusive access to critical systems within the Small Business Administration (SBA), including payroll and HR databases for multiple federal agencies like the Justice Department, Homeland Security, and the FBI.His career path included roles at the General Services Administration (GSA) and later the Social Security Administration (SSA), where spokesperson Stephen McGraw confirmed Coristine worked on improving website functionality and delivering more efficient services to Americans. Despite being a freshman engineering student, Coristine left college early to become one of DOGE’s first hires. His X profile (@as400495), followed by Musk himself, highlights his continued association with prominent tech and political figures.
Why is Edward Coristine trending
The story gained momentum when Donald Trump shared a photo of a bloodied Coristine, alleging he had been “beaten mercilessly by local thugs” after stepping in to help a woman during an attempted carjacking. Trump’s Truth Social post accused D.C. authorities of failing to control violent crime, even threatening to “federalise” the city if action wasn’t taken.Elon Musk amplified the message on X (formerly Twitter), reposting Trump’s statement and adding his own version of events, praising Coristine’s bravery. According to Musk, a DOGE team member (believed to be Coristine) stepped in when a woman was attacked by a group of eight men, ultimately saving her but suffering a concussion from the assault.The viral image of Coristine, snapped by his friend Marko Elez, added fuel to the conversation, sparking widespread debate about safety in Washington, D.C., and the government’s response to street violence.
Edward Coristine’s heroism brings Trump and Musk together amid crime concerns
Trump’s strong response to the incident included a vow to use federal powers to combat crime in D.C., stating, “Perhaps it should have been done a long time ago… If this continues, I am going to exert my powers and federalise this city. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”For many, Musk resharing Trump’s message was surprising, considering their previously strained relationship. However, both appeared united in condemning violence and praising Coristine’s heroism. The incident may signal a rare moment of alignment between two powerful but ideologically divergent figures. While Coristine recovers from his injuries, public support continues to grow. His actions have not only reignited debates about D.C. crime rates but also highlighted the blurred lines between technology, politics, and personal heroism. With both Trump and Musk standing behind him, Coristine’s profile as a public figure could rise even further – whether as a government reform advocate or a symbol of civic courage.Also Read | Raksha Bandhan Instagram captions | Google DeepMind’s Genie 3