Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency is reportedly asking for private financial data from the Treasury Department, potentially giving him access to personal information.
DOGE is requesting access to the Treasury's government payment system, which includes information on social security checks and tax refunds.
Newsweek reached out to the White House and the Treasury Department for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Access to government payment systems would greatly boost DOGE's aim of cutting down on spending. President Donald Trump initially ordered the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to freeze federal grants and loans, only to later reverse the order, meaning the administration is looking for other ways to stop cash flow in the short term.
What To Know
The access, approved by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday, gives Musk and his team entry into a system responsible for trillions of dollars in government payments, including Social Security checks and tax refunds.
DOGE's role, which was previously focused on reducing the number of federal workers, slashing programs, and cutting regulations, now extends to scrutinizing taxpayer transactions.
Reports suggest that the access granted is "read-only," meaning Musk's team can analyze spending but not alter transactions.
The New York Times reported that the members of DOGE who have access to the system have had to pass government background checks and acquire the appropriate security clearances for that level of the Treasury.
The oversight is used to review how payments are approved or disapproved rather than proactively blocking payments.
What People Are Saying
Democratic Washington Representative Pramila Jayapal, Friday on X, formerly Twitter: "Elon Musk, the richest man on Earth, is rooting around in Social Security and Medicare payment systems. He's reaching his hands into our pockets and firing anyone who tries to stop him. This reeks of corruption — it must stop."
Elon Musk, Saturday on social media: "The DOGE team discovered, among other things, that payment approval officers at Treasury were instructed always to approve payments, even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups. They literally never denied a payment in their entire career. Not even once."
What Happens Next
The White House has not commented on the Department of Government Efficiency accessing payment systems. The move is expected to receive criticism from Democratic leadership over the next few days.
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About the writer
Theo Burman is a Newsweek Live News Reporter based in London, U.K. His focus is on U.S. politics and international ... Read more