US: Musk-led DOGE gains access to sensitive Treasury payment systems
What's the story
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in the US, headed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has gained access to sensitive Treasury data. This includes vital systems associated with Social Security and Medicare payments. The New York Times was the first to report this development, which was subsequently confirmed by two anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
Data access
Senator expresses concern over DOGE's access to Treasury data
Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, has raised concerns over the possibility of this access being misused. Writing to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Wyden warned, "Officials associated with Musk may have intended to access these payment systems to illegally withhold payments to any number of programs." He emphasized that "these payment systems simply cannot fail," warning against politically motivated interference.
Resignation
Treasury official resigns amid DOGE's data access request
Notably, the news of DOGE's access to Treasury data comes just as Treasury's acting Deputy Secretary David Lebryk resigned. Lebryk, who served for over 30 years, stepped down just after DOGE requested access to sensitive Treasury data. In his farewell letter, Lebryk highlighted the important role of the Fiscal Service but did not mention DOGE's request.
Response
Musk responds to Lebryk's resignation, defends DOGE
Musk also responded on his social media platform X about Lebryk's departure. He claimed, "The @DOGE team discovered, among other things, that payment approval officers at Treasury were instructed always to approve payments, even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups." However, he did not provide evidence for this claim.
DOGE goals
DOGE's mission and leadership changes
To recall, DOGE was initially co-led by Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The task force seeks to cut billions from the federal budget and reduce federal bureaucracy. Ramaswamy has since left DOGE as he considers a run for Governor in Ohio.