NLRB Whistleblower Sues Elon Musk Following Alleged Sabotage

Dan Berulis, an IT professional at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), has filed a defamation lawsuit against Elon Musk following a series of alarming events linked to his whistleblowing activities. In April 2025, Berulis reported that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a task force led by Musk—had compromised sensitive agency data and potentially exposed it to unauthorized external access. Shortly after going public with these concerns, Berulis reported being stalked and receiving threatening notes at his home.

The situation escalated significantly on April 20, 2025, when Berulis discovered his vehicle’s brake lines had been severed, leading to a crash. This incident occurred just hours after Musk publicly labeled Berulis’ whistleblower claims as a "deliberately false" crime on the social media platform X. Berulis’ lawsuit argues that Musk’s public dismissal of his claims, coupled with the amplification of misleading information, incited harassment and placed him in immediate physical danger. The suit highlights that the public discourse following Musk’s post included explicit threats and calls for Berulis to be prosecuted or harmed.

This case underscores the profound risks faced by federal employees who challenge the operations of high-profile government initiatives. The intersection of rapid, oversight-free data access by private entities and the immense influence of social media platforms creates a volatile environment for whistleblowers. Beyond the personal safety concerns raised by the alleged sabotage of his vehicle, the legal battle highlights critical questions regarding the accountability of public figures when their digital rhetoric potentially translates into real-world violence against those who expose government misconduct.