Musk rips 'fraudulent' Treasury handouts as reports mount DOGE has access to federal payment system
Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has recently criticized the U.S. Treasury Department's payment controls, alleging that officials were instructed to approve payments even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups, though he did not provide evidence for these claims.
Following these allegations, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent granted DOGE access to the federal payment system, which processes over $6 trillion annually and contains personal information of millions of Americans. This move led to the resignation of David Lebryk, a senior Treasury official who opposed granting such access.
Musk has pledged to cancel numerous government grants, asserting that he is halting "illegal payments" to certain organizations. However, the legality and extent of DOGE's authority in this matter remain uncertain, as neither Musk nor the Treasury have provided detailed clarifications.
Critics, including Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren, have expressed concerns that DOGE's involvement could lead to political interference and potential risks to essential programs such as Social Security benefits and tax refunds. They argue that Musk, as a private citizen, should not wield such power, suggesting this move undermines established government protocols.
The Department of Government Efficiency, established by President Donald Trump, aims to reduce wasteful spending and eliminate unnecessary regulations. Despite its name, DOGE is not a federal executive department but operates as a temporary organization under the United States Digital Se
rvice.
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