logo
‘Big Balls' now working at Social Security Administration after departing DOGE: report

‘Big Balls' now working at Social Security Administration after departing DOGE: report

Independenta day ago

Edward Coristine, the 19-year-old nicknamed 'Big Balls' who was working in the Department of Government Efficiency, has landed a new role at the Social Security Administration.
Coristine, who was hired by Elon Musk to join the DOGE team, recently left the White House but a Social Security Administration spokesperson confirmed he has since joined the agency as a special government employee.
'Edward Coristine joined the Social Security Administration this week as a special government employee,' spokesperson Stephen McGraw told WIRED. 'His work will be focused on improving the functionality of the Social Security website and advancing our mission of delivering more efficient service to the American people.'
It was not immediately clear when Coristine started his new role.
Sources told the outlet that Coristine 'looked nervous' and 'almost embarrassed' after being spotted at the agency's Woodlawn headquarters in Maryland this week.
He was seen with DOGE engineer Aram Moghaddassi, another Musk hire who is working for X and Neuralink.
'Coristine looked nervous, almost embarrassed,' the source told WIRED. 'Aram was on the phone with someone … then said 'Yes I'm with him right now,' gesturing to Big Balls.''
Coristine's appointment at the agency follows a recent report that Musk and allies insisted on giving a 21-year-old former Silicon Valley intern sweeping access to personal data on hundreds of millions of Americans at the Social Security Administration.
Musk ordered 21-year-old Akash Bobba, a former Palantir intern who'd been hired as a programmer for DOGE, be granted access to Social Security data without proper training so he could run his own analysis, The New York Times reported.
When the acting commissioner, Michelle King, declined to do so, Musk had her fired and replaced with Leland Dudek. Dudek, brought back from a suspension on the DOGE team's recommendation, got Bobba the access.
Coristine was first selected to work for the Tesla boss as a technologist, and received full-time staff status at the General Services Administration last month.
Coristine became well known online and among Musk's immense fanbase publicly after he was paraded on Fox News alongside his boss. 'Who is Big Balls?' host Jesse Watters asked on his program, surrounded by DOGE members and supporters at a huge oval conference table.
'I am,' piped up 19-year-old DOGE staff member Edward Coristine. 'That should be obvious,' Musk quipped to laughter.
Coristine claimed to have caught the eye of the world's richest man after simply changing his name on LinkedIn to 'Big Balls.'
In addition to his brief stint as a government employee, the teenage high school graduate worked at Neuralink for several months and founded a company called Tesla.Sexy LLC in 2021, according to WIRED.
Speaking to Fox News, Coristine stated that while working in the State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Technology, he used 'computer stuff' as he claimed to ferret out 'fraud and waste,' the old mantra of his former boss.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Free upgrades are more likely to be given out at a specific time BEFORE boarding, reveals travel expert
Free upgrades are more likely to be given out at a specific time BEFORE boarding, reveals travel expert

Daily Mail​

time35 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Free upgrades are more likely to be given out at a specific time BEFORE boarding, reveals travel expert

Paying hundreds, often thousands, for a business class or better seat is unattainable for most of us - but the occasional surprise upgrade can happen. If you're dreaming of turning left instead of right on your next trip, then taking heed of an expert tip could see mission accomplished. While it's rare to be one of those lucky souls upgraded for logistical reasons such as overbooked economy cabins, says Julian Kheel, founder and CEO at Points Path, it does happen, and timing is apparently everything. The expert told Travel + Leisure that making the approach at just the right moment could see your date with a fancy lunch and a flat-bed happen. He said: 'It's nearly impossible for the average traveler to get a free upgrade to business or first-class today. [It's] extremely rare, but it does happen once in a while.' The secret is all about not making the approach at the wrong time, such as when airline staff who make the decisions on last-gasp upgrades look harassed. He says mentioning it as fellow passengers are queuing to board is almost certain to fail, and piping up just as the doors are closing is also an unwise move - but go in early with the request instead. If you have a special reason - such as a birthday or anniversary, you might be able to charm your way into an elevated cabin. Those in the know say waiting to get on the plane is one way to kill your chances - because airborne cabin crew rarely make the decisions on upgrades, even if you can see empty rows in business or first. One airline cabin crew worker shared on Reddit recently: 'At my airline, [flight attendants] are not allowed to upgrade [passengers] to first class. 'Talk to [the] gate agent or ticket agent when you check your bags. They are the ones who assign seats and can upgrade you.' They did reveal a tip that might bring out the mile-high vandal in you though, saying one of the only ways to get moved up when you're in economy is if the seat you've been sold is broken or doesn't work. The cabin crew employee wrote: 'If you're on the plane and there's something physically wrong with your seat, like a broken armrest or tray table, that can also be a reason to ask if you might be moved to a better seat up front.' Earlier this year, Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away UK, revealed her top tips too, advising passengers on 'how to position yourself as a prime candidate' for a free of charge upgrade. The first tip from Dawn is simply just to ask. She told the Express: 'When you check in, smile warmly and simply ask, 'Are there any upgrade opportunities available today?' 'This phrasing is important - it's polite, direct, and shows you understand upgrades aren't guaranteed.' But the timing of this question is also just as important, says Dawn. She explains: 'Check in early, when more premium seats are likely available, but not during peak busy periods when staff are rushed. 'And always ask discreetly - never demand an upgrade in front of other passengers.' Even your clothes could also make all the difference, so Dawn recommends choosing your airport outfit very wisely – and making a bit of an effort with your appearance. She says: 'Smart-casual clothing sends a signal that you'll 'fit in' with the premium cabin environment. 'Think neat jeans or trousers, a collared shirt or nice top, and clean, decent shoes.' Telling the staff you're celebrating something like a honeymoon or big birthday could also lead to cabin crew giving you special treatment. Dawn adds: 'I've seen couples get upgraded because they mentioned their anniversary. One pair even received complimentary champagne in business class.'

You WON'T Believe What iOS 26 Is Doing!
You WON'T Believe What iOS 26 Is Doing!

Geeky Gadgets

timean hour ago

  • Geeky Gadgets

You WON'T Believe What iOS 26 Is Doing!

Apple's iOS 26 introduces a comprehensive suite of updates aimed at improving customization, usability, and performance. With the second beta release now available, Apple continues to refine its mobile operating system, offering users a more seamless and personalized experience. Below is an in-depth look at the most notable features and enhancements in iOS 26. The video below from iReviews gives us more details on iOS 26. Watch this video on YouTube. Advanced Lock Screen Customization iOS 26 takes lock screen personalization to the next level, allowing users to place widgets at the top or bottom of the screen. This flexibility enables you to create a layout that suits your preferences and enhances accessibility, especially for one-handed use. Whether you prioritize quick access to weather updates, calendar events, or fitness stats, this feature ensures that essential information is always within easy reach. Proactive Liquid Detection Alerts A standout safety feature in iOS 26 is the new liquid detection alert. If moisture is detected in the charging port, your device will emit an audible alarm—even when in silent mode. This proactive measure helps protect your device from potential damage by making sure you are immediately aware of the issue. It's a practical addition that underscores Apple's focus on device longevity and user safety. Streamlined Missed Call Management The Phone app now makes managing missed calls more intuitive. With a simple swipe on a missed call, you can set a reminder to follow up later. This small yet impactful feature simplifies communication management, making sure you never overlook an important call or forget to respond. Enhanced Photo Search and Navigation The Photos app has been upgraded with improved search functionality, allowing you to limit searches to specific albums or collections. This makes locating images faster and more efficient. Additionally, smoother animations enhance navigation within the app, and the syncing status is now displayed under the 'Library' section, providing greater transparency and control over your photo library. Type to Siri During Calls iOS 26 introduces the ability to type to Siri during phone calls, a feature designed for situations where speaking aloud isn't practical. Whether you're in a quiet environment or need to maintain discretion, this update ensures Siri remains accessible and functional in all contexts. Customizable Messaging Backgrounds Messaging receives a visual upgrade with the option to customize backgrounds for SMS, RCS, and iMessage conversations. This feature allows you to create unique aesthetics for different chats, adding a personal touch to your messaging experience. Whether you prefer vibrant colors or subtle designs, the choice is yours. Strengthened Privacy and Security Controls Privacy and security remain a top priority in iOS 26. A new 'Wired Accessories' section in the settings menu provides enhanced control over connected devices. This feature allows you to manage trust preferences for accessories, reinforcing Apple's commitment to safeguarding user data and making sure secure connections. Clearer Battery Usage Insights The battery usage interface has been redesigned with color-coded indicators for easier interpretation. These visuals offer a detailed breakdown of your usage patterns, helping you identify areas where you can conserve battery life. This update provides a more intuitive way to monitor and manage your device's power consumption. Refinements in the Maps App The Maps app has undergone subtle yet meaningful changes. The 'Library' section has been renamed to 'Places', aligning the app's terminology with its functionality. This adjustment simplifies navigation and enhances the overall user experience, making it easier to organize and access saved locations. Performance and Efficiency Improvements iOS 26 delivers noticeable performance enhancements, with higher Geekbench scores in both single-core and multi-core tests compared to its predecessor. These improvements translate to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and overall better responsiveness. While battery life remains stable, further optimizations are expected in future updates, making sure a balance between performance and efficiency. Release Schedule The third beta of iOS 26 is expected to arrive on July 7, followed by the first public beta on July 14. These upcoming releases will likely include additional refinements and provide a clearer picture of the system's full capabilities. For those eager to explore the new features, these dates mark key milestones in the rollout process. iOS 26: A User-Focused Update iOS 26 represents a thoughtful evolution of Apple's mobile operating system. From enhanced lock screen customization to improved privacy settings, the updates cater to a diverse range of user needs. As the beta progresses, further refinements are anticipated, solidifying iOS 26 as a robust and user-friendly update. Whether you're drawn to its practical enhancements or its focus on personalization, iOS 26 offers something for everyone. Master iOS 26 features with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Source & Image Credit: iReviews Filed Under: Gadgets News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.

Wimbledon 2025: Coco Gauff is just 21 but already thinking about what to do after tennis
Wimbledon 2025: Coco Gauff is just 21 but already thinking about what to do after tennis

The Independent

timean hour ago

  • The Independent

Wimbledon 2025: Coco Gauff is just 21 but already thinking about what to do after tennis

To be clear, Coco Gauff didn't bring up the word 'star' during a recent interview with The Associated Press; the reporter did. So as Gauff began to answer a question about balancing her life as a professional athlete with her off-court interests, she caught herself repeating that term. 'I definitely didn't know how it would look like,' she began with a smile, 'before I got to be, I guess, a star — feels weird to call myself that — but I definitely did want to expand outside of tennis. Always. Since I was young.' She still is young, by just about any measure, and she is a really good tennis player — Gauff owns the Grand Slam titles and No. 2 ranking to prove it as she heads into Wimbledon, which begins Monday — but the 21-year-old American is also more than that. Someone unafraid to express her opinions about societal issues. Someone who connects with fans via social media. Someone who is the highest-paid female athlete in any sport, topping $30 million last year, according to with less than a third of that from prize money and most via deals with companies such as UPS, New Balance, Rolex and Barilla. Someone who recently launched her own management firm. And someone who wants to succeed in the business world long after she no longer swings a racket on tour. 'It's definitely something that I want to start to step up for post-career. Kind of start building that process, which is why I wanted to do it early. Because I didn't want to feel like I was playing catch-up at the end of my career,' said Gauff, who will face Dayana Yastremska in the first round at the All England Club on Tuesday. 'On the business side of things, it doesn't come as natural as tennis feels. I'm still learning, and I have a lot to learn about," Gauff said. "I've debated different things and what paths I wanted to take when it came to just stimulating my brain outside of the court, because I always knew that once I finished high school that I needed to put my brain into something else.' In a campaign announced this week by UPS, which first partnered with Gauff in 2023 before she won that year's U.S. Open, she connects with business coach Emma Grede — known for working with Kim Kardashian on Skims, and with Khloe Kardashian on Good American — to offer mentoring to three small-business owners. 'Coco plays a key role in helping us connect with those younger Gen-Z business owners — emerging or younger entrepreneurs,' Betsy Wilson, VP of digital marketing and brand activation at UPS, said in a phone interview. 'Obviously, she's very relevant in social media and in culture, and working with Coco helps us really connect with that younger group.' While Grede helped the entrepreneurs, Gauff also got the opportunity to pick up tips. 'It's really cool to learn from someone like her,' Gauff said. 'Whenever I feel like I'm ready to make that leap, I can definitely reach out to her for advice and things like that. ... This will help me right now and definitely in the long term.' ___ Howard Fendrich has been the AP's tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here: More AP tennis:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store