The Treasury Department recently clarified some details regarding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its role with the federal payments system. DOGE, which was formed to cut waste and enhance efficiency in government operations, has been granted “read-only” access by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. This access allows DOGE to review, but not alter, the nearly $6 trillion federal payments system managed by the Fiscal Service Bureau.
This move has sparked a lot of debate, particularly among Democratic lawmakers. They gathered outside the Treasury Building in Washington to voice their concerns about potential cybersecurity threats and the influence of Elon Musk, who heads the Trump administration’s advisory commission. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) was vocal about her disapproval, insisting that nobody elected Musk to oversee sensitive payment information.
In response to the concerns, a Treasury official reassured Congress that DOGE’s access is purely observational. The Fiscal Service handles a significant portion of federal payments, including essential disbursements like Social Security and Medicare. The official emphasized that DOGE’s involvement hasn’t led to any payment delays or rerouting.
The review conducted by DOGE aims to ensure the efficiency of the Fiscal Service’s operations and prevent any misuse of funds. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with experienced Treasury officials and an expert consultant, Tom Krause, CEO of Cloud Software Group. The official compared DOGE’s access to the type of access granted to auditors, ensuring the integrity of Treasury systems.
President Donald Trump commented on the situation, asserting that Elon Musk cannot make changes without approval. Trump acknowledged the value of Musk’s ideas but made it clear that any potential conflicts would be monitored closely. The Treasury Department has not issued further comments on these developments.
On his social media platform X, Musk claimed that DOGE had uncovered a concerning trend within the Treasury’s payment approval process. He alleged that officers were instructed to approve all payments, even those to fraudulent or terrorist groups. Musk’s statements have intensified scrutiny from various policymakers and organizations.
Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) expressed skepticism about the extent of DOGE’s access, raising concerns about the exposure of sensitive financial data. Advocacy groups, like the Alliance for Retired Americans, have even filed lawsuits challenging the legality of DOGE’s access, arguing it breaches privacy laws. These groups emphasize the vast and unprecedented intrusion into personal privacy.
Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) proposed an amendment to address unauthorized access issues. He argued that DOGE’s involvement presents significant privacy risks and could give Musk’s companies an unfair advantage. The Electronic Privacy Information Center echoed these sentiments, denouncing DOGE’s access as a breach of personal data.
However, cybersecurity experts like Lawrence Pingree believe that if the right precautions are taken, there shouldn’t be major issues with DOGE’s access.
Pingree noted that as long as access is granted based on the need-to-know principle, it aligns with standard practices. He highlighted DOGE’s potential necessity for system access to fulfill its directives.
Despite these assurances, reports have surfaced about DOGE members attempting to access secure government spaces, raising concerns about the security of classified materials.
Additional reports suggest that Musk and his team have used commercial services to access federal human resources databases. Katie Miller, a top DOGE advisor, dismissed these allegations as unfounded.
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers weighed in, suggesting that DOGE’s efforts could improve outdated government systems. However, he cautioned that any misuse of DOGE’s influence to target beneficiaries or violate appropriation laws would be problematic. Summers noted the importance of balancing DOGE’s role with legal and ethical constraints.
DOGE is set to operate until July 2026, and it has already claimed a number of cost-saving achievements. Recently, Musk and his team announced savings of $26 million by terminating consulting contracts related to communication and coaching. They have also eliminated $45 million in diversity and inclusion scholarships in Burma.
Last month, DOGE revealed a document from the Government Accountability Office that highlighted $161.5 billion in improper federal payments in 2024. These findings showcase the potential for significant improvements in government expenditure efficiency. As DOGE continues its mission, it remains a focal point of both support and controversy.
