Elon Musk’s DOGE has gained access to the U.S. Treasury’s payment system, triggering alarm over potential disruptions to Social Security, Medicare, and federal salaries. As scrutiny mounts, the key question remains: Is this about efficiency—or unchecked power over the nation’s financial lifeline?
Elon Musk has once again positioned himself at the center of a national controversy—this time, over his newfound access to the U.S. Treasury’s payment system. With his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now overseeing key financial infrastructure, concerns are mounting over the potential impact on government disbursements, the security of personal data, and the broader implications of private sector influence on public funds.
DOGE, a Trump administration initiative aimed at cutting federal spending, was granted access to the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service, the department responsible for processing trillions of dollars in government payments, including Social Security, Medicare, and federal salaries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approved the move late last week, despite pushback from career officials, including Deputy Secretary David Lebryk, who abruptly retired following the dispute.
The decision grants DOGE operatives—many of whom are Musk’s hand-picked executives—the ability to review federal payment systems. While the Treasury insists they have only “read-only” access, critics warn that even this level of oversight could allow politically motivated interference in federal payments.
With control over the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, DOGE now has insight into the mechanics of federal payments—raising fears that Social Security, Medicare, and other vital programs could be disrupted. Although President Trump has publicly stated that Social Security will not be cut, critics argue that access to payment systems allows for indirect methods of restricting payments, such as bureaucratic delays or increased scrutiny of recipients.
“The Bureau of the Fiscal Service processes payments for virtually every government agency. If this access is abused, millions of Americans could see disruptions to their benefits,” said Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), a ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee.
The Treasury’s payment system holds sensitive financial and personal data for millions of Americans, including Social Security numbers and bank account details. Given Musk’s extensive business interests—including in China, where Tesla operates its largest factory—lawmakers fear national security risks related to potential foreign influence.
“This is the kind of information that, if accessed improperly, could lead to widespread identity fraud and financial crimes,” warned James E. Lee, president of the Identity Theft Resource Center.
A lawsuit filed on Monday by the Alliance for Retired Americans and two major unions argues that DOGE’s access constitutes an “unlawful, systematic, and continuous disclosure of personal and financial information.” Additionally, watchdog groups question whether the executive order granting Musk and his team this level of access is even legal.
“It’s deeply troubling that unelected business executives—who answer only to Musk—are being granted access to a system that directly affects the livelihoods of millions,” said Donald K. Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.
In response to the backlash, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been asked to launch an investigation into Musk’s access to the Treasury’s systems. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers—including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden—are calling for immediate safeguards to prevent potential abuses.
For now, the Treasury Department insists that DOGE’s role is limited to an “operational efficiency review,” but given the sweeping authority Musk has been granted in previous government initiatives, skepticism remains high.
As the story unfolds, the key question remains: Will this move lead to genuine government efficiency, or is it a step toward privatizing control over public funds? Either way, Musk’s latest foray into federal finance is setting a precedent with far-reaching consequences.
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