Elon Musk’s DOGE Task Force Gains Access to Sensitive Treasury Data, Raising Security Concerns

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a Trump administration task force led by billionaire advisor and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has reportedly gained access to sensitive Treasury data, including Social Security and Medicare payment systems. According to two sources familiar with the situation, this access raises significant concerns about data security and potential political interference.

DOGE, created to streamline government operations by cutting federal programs, slashing regulations, and reducing the federal workforce, now holds the authority to review critical taxpayer information. The New York Times first reported DOGE’s access to the federal payment system, with the Associated Press confirming details from anonymous sources not authorized to speak publicly.

The news coincides with the resignation of David Lebryk, the Treasury’s acting deputy secretary, after over 30 years of service. In a farewell letter to Treasury staff, Lebryk praised the agency’s vital role but made no reference to DOGE’s data access requests. However, reports from The Washington Post suggest his resignation followed DOGE’s push for sensitive information.

Elon Musk responded on his social media platform, X, claiming without evidence that DOGE uncovered systemic issues within the Treasury. Musk alleged that Treasury payment approval officers were instructed to approve all payments, even those linked to fraudulent or terrorist entities—a claim that has not been substantiated.

Former DOGE co-leader Vivek Ramaswamy, who left the task force to consider a gubernatorial run in Ohio, had initially partnered with Musk to advocate for aggressive federal budget cuts and workforce reductions.

Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, expressed deep concerns in a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Wyden warned that DOGE’s involvement could lead to politically motivated interference with federal payments, potentially destabilizing critical programs and the broader economy.

As DOGE’s influence grows, questions loom about the security of federal financial systems and the potential for partisan misuse of sensitive data.