
Elon Musk’s DOGE Team Under Fire for Gaining U.S. Treasury Access
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is under fire after gaining access to the U.S. Treasury’s federal payment system, which processes $6 trillion annually in Social Security, government salaries, and federal transactions.
The approval came from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent following the resignation of senior official David Lebryk over concerns about transparency and congressional oversight. Critics argue that this decision lacked openness and bypassed congressional approval, leading to growing unease among lawmakers.
According to reports, Treasury officials may have downplayed DOGE’s role in the process, further fueling suspicions. Bloomberg and The New York Times revealed that the extent of DOGE’s financial access was not fully disclosed to Congress.
Musk defended his team’s actions, stating that it is focused on eliminating government fraud and waste. He took to X, saying, “Having world war level of national debt without fighting a world war is catastrophic.” Additionally, he emphasized that DOGE is tracing government spending and financial misconduct.
This development has sparked heated debate among experts, with some calling for increased transparency and accountability in the wake of this unprecedented move. The move has also raised concerns about data privacy and potential exploitation by DOGE or other entities with access to sensitive records.
A federal judge has since issued a preliminary injunction against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), preventing access to Treasury data amid an ongoing legal battle involving 20 states. Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the lawsuit claims that DOGE’s investigative authority violates federal oversight laws and endangers financial privacy.
The judge’s order also demands the destruction of any data DOGE has already obtained pending a final ruling. The case is set for a February 14 court hearing where the judge will decide whether DOGE retains its authority.
Source: coinchapter.com