Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained control of the Treasury Department’s payment system, raising concerns among consumer advocates and Democratic lawmakers. With access to sensitive data like Social Security numbers, DOGE’s involvement in disbursing trillions in payments has sparked worries about potential impacts on federal assistance programs. The access to this system has drawn criticism from watchdog groups like Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and lawmakers like Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden.
The White House’s freeze on federal grants and loans caused confusion within federal assistance programs and concerns about DOGE’s influence. Musk’s control over the payment system could potentially threaten government programs like Medicare and Social Security. Although Musk and Trump have not indicated any intent to target Social Security, advocates are worried about the potential for cuts. Lawmakers like Sen. Ron Wyden have expressed concerns about the impact on Social Security beneficiaries due to Musk’s and DOGE’s access to personal data.
Access to taxpayers’ personal information raises further data security concerns, as traditionally, this information has been highly secure within the U.S. government. Concerns about potential identity theft and information being accessed by foreign intelligence agencies have been raised. Sen. Wyden has questioned granting access to sensitive information to Musk due to his business interests in China. The lawsuit filed by unions and advocacy groups against the Treasury Department aims to address the concerns surrounding Musk and DOGE’s access to sensitive data and financial information. The Treasury Department has not yet responded to these concerns.
