A masseuse is let loose at Energy Department

Of the more than 400 former lobbyists, campaign staffers, and others serving on President Trump’s so-called “beachhead teams” at various federal agencies, one in particular caused quite a bit of consternation at the U.S. Department of Energy. He’s actually already been forced to leave. Sid Bowdidge, who briefly served at the DOE’s Office of Technology Transitions, was a massage therapist with absolutely no experience in energy issues. What is known about Bowdidge is that he was an enthusiastic supporter of the president’s campaign who tweeted conspiracy theories accusing President Obama of having family ties to “radical Islamists.” His tweets also included discriminatory and violent rhetoric against Muslims—even writing: "Scum sucking maggots of the world. Exterminate them all." Bowdidge took up residence in the director’s office at the agency’s Office of Technology Transitions, which helps move innovation at national labs into the private sector. Shortly after news reports uncovered his controversial appointment, the DOE announced that Bowdridge would no longer be at the agency.