Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been granted access to the U.S. Treasury Department's payment system, which processes over $6 trillion annually in federal payments, including Social Security, Medicare benefits, and tax refunds. This system also contains personal information of millions of Americans.
The decision to grant access followed internal disputes within the Treasury Department. David Lebryk, a senior Treasury official, resisted DOGE's requests for access, leading to his departure. Subsequently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approved DOGE's access to the payment system.
Elon Musk has expressed concerns about the Treasury's payment controls, alleging that officials were approving payments to fraudulent or terrorist groups without proper scrutiny, though he has not provided evidence to support these claims.
The move has raised concerns among lawmakers and experts. Senator Ron Wyden has voiced apprehension about potential political interference and risks to the nation's economy. Critics also highlight the unprecedented nature of granting such access to a private individual and the potential implications for governmental operations and democratic integrity.