Senator Raises Alarm Over National Security Threats Following Elon Musk’s DOGE Access to Sensitive Treasury Systems
In a shocking development, a senior U.S. lawmaker has raised serious concerns regarding Elon Musk’s access to a critical U.S. Treasury payments system. This access, granted to Musk’s team known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has sparked fears about potential national security risks associated with the handling of sensitive financial data.
Access Granted to Musk’s Team
According to Senator Ron Wyden, a Democratic senator from Oregon and ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, Musk’s representatives were given “full access” to the Treasury’s payment system, which is responsible for distributing trillions of dollars annually to American citizens.
Details of the Authorization
In a recent post on Bluesky, Wyden revealed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent authorized this access on Friday. This decision followed a tense standoff earlier in the week, which resulted in the resignation of a top Treasury official amidst Musk’s team’s requests for access.
- Access includes sensitive information regarding:
- Social Security and Medicare benefits
- Grants and payments to government contractors
- Tax refunds and payments to federal employees
Concerns Over National Security
Wyden expressed grave concerns about the implications of Musk’s access, emphasizing that the payments system must remain secure. He noted in his letter to Bessent that any interference could have dire consequences for the country and its economy.
Musk’s Business Interests in China
The senator also highlighted Musk’s significant business operations in China, warning that they pose a cybersecurity threat to the United States. He stated that these interests create potential conflicts of interest, making Musk’s access to sensitive government systems a national security risk.
Historical Context of Security Breaches
Recent reports indicate that the Biden administration has attributed several security breaches targeting U.S. critical infrastructure to China. These incidents have included:
- The theft of phone records of senior American officials
- A breach of the Treasury’s systems
- A significant hack of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in 2015, leading to the loss of personal data on over 22 million federal employees
Implications for the Future
As Musk’s DOGE continues to scrutinize various federal departments, including the OPM, Wyden’s warnings underscore the need for careful oversight. The implications of granting access to such sensitive systems cannot be overstated, especially considering the potential risks to American citizens’ personal information.
For more information on cybersecurity risks and government oversight, visit CISA’s official website or read more about this issue in the New York Times.
