The U.S. Treasury Department has granted Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team access to the federal payment system, raising concerns over potential political interference and the safeguarding of sensitive financial data.
The federal payment system, which processes over $6 trillion annually, including Social Security, Medicare, and federal salaries, is traditionally managed by career officials with limited access. This unprecedented move has led to internal tensions within the Treasury Department, culminating in the administrative leave and subsequent retirement of David Lebryk, a long-serving official who opposed granting DOGE access.
Elon Musk, appointed by President Donald Trump to lead DOGE, has pledged to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending. He has already initiated actions to cancel millions in government grants, alleging that the payment system was approving funds to fraudulent and terrorist groups without evidence. Musk’s team has begun shutting down what they consider “illegal payments,” a move that has sparked concerns about the potential impact on essential services such as Social Security and Medicare.
Critics, including Senator Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, have expressed apprehension that Musk’s team might unlawfully withhold payments to federal programs. Wyden emphasized that political interference in the payment system could severely harm the country’s economy.
Legal experts suggest that any attempt by Musk or his team to interfere with congressionally approved payments would likely face legal challenges. Treasury officials are required to review any proposed changes to the system before implementation, adding a layer of oversight to DOGE’s actions.
This development comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape federal agencies. Musk’s DOGE has already targeted the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), leading to the closure of its headquarters and instructions for workers to stay home, signaling a potential shutdown of the agency. Critics argue that such moves could jeopardize crucial programs, including women’s health initiatives, HIV/AIDS treatment, and disaster relief efforts.
The granting of access to the federal payment system marks a significant escalation in Musk’s role within the government, prompting debates about the balance between efficiency initiatives and the preservation of established federal processes.
