Edward Coristine, a prominent, youthful staff member of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has left his position, marking a notable exit amid a series of DOGE-related departures. The 19-year-old, known as “Big Balls,” initially gained attention for his nickname and controversial past, including being fired from a cybersecurity internship for leaking confidential information. His youth and inexperience contributed to perceptions that DOGE was operating recklessly, which drew criticism from federal workers and congressional Democrats.
A White House spokesperson confirmed Coristine’s departure, though specific details were not disclosed. His account on X, verified by NBC News, announced his exit, suggesting he was relieved and humorously mentioning future endeavors, including running a cryptocurrency scam. Although he previously indicated he would start a role in the State Department, at the time of his departure, he was working with the General Services Administration.
Coristine’s exit adds to a list of notable departures from DOGE, including tech mogul Elon Musk, who had a brief falling out with President Trump. Other key figures who left include Musk’s chief aide Steve Davis and Amanda Scales from Musk’s AI company, xAI. In an earlier interview, Coristine criticized the lack of accountability in federal spending, which contradicted the views of budget watchdogs. Despite being the subject of mixed reactions due to his brief tenure and controversial background, Coristine’s decision to leave emphasizes the shifting dynamics within the Trump administration as it grapples with internal controversy and public scrutiny.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
