WASHINGTON — A representative from the Treasury Department reached out to federal lawmakers on Tuesday, informing them that a tech executive associated with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) will have “read-only access” to the federal government’s payment system.
Concerns from Congress regarding DOGE’s engagement with the government’s payment infrastructure have prompted scrutiny over potential security vulnerabilities and the risk of delayed payments for essential programs like Social Security and Medicare. Legislators are particularly troubled by Musk’s significant influence as an unelected individual within the U.S. government, especially after he publicly stated on social media that DOGE could halt payments to certain organizations.
DOGE, initiated during the Trump administration, was tasked with identifying methods to reduce the workforce, streamline programs, and eliminate federal regulations, which has raised alarms about its motives and the undermining of established officials at various agencies. Democratic representatives have expressed their unhappiness over the ambiguity surrounding DOGE’s operations and the potential for restricted payments aligned with their political interests.
In response to these worries, the Treasury official assured that the ongoing review process had not disrupted payments linked to Social Security and Medicare in any way.
The official also indicated that Tom Krause, identified online as the CEO of Cloud Software Group, operates as a “special government employee” at the Treasury, meaning he is subject to less rigorous ethical guidelines and financial disclosure requirements compared to other employees. The correspondence explains that Krause is collaborating with career Treasury officials in this initiative.
Efforts to reach Krause for comments about his role within DOGE and the Treasury were unsuccessful. The Treasury manages its payments through the Fiscal Service, which oversees over 1.2 billion transactions annually and is responsible for 90% of federal disbursements. The official emphasized that the current review focuses on maintaining the integrity of these payments.
However, skepticism remains among some Democrats regarding the idea that DOGE, along with Musk and Krause, possesses only read-only access. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who serves as the vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, remarked, “Some Republicans are trying to suggest that Musk only has ‘viewing access’ to Treasury’s highly sensitive payment system as if that’s acceptable either.” She questioned why anyone should accept this narrative, especially given Musk’s public assertions to the contrary.
For example, Musk has claimed on his X platform that DOGE halted payments to a charity, asserting that “the corruption and waste is being rooted out in real-time,” and that DOGE is “rapidly shutting down” payments to the aforementioned charity.
At least one lawsuit has been initiated by a coalition of labor unions and activists aimed at blocking the Treasury’s decision to provide DOGE and Musk access to the payment systems.
The access granted to DOGE stems from the resignation of Treasury’s acting Deputy Secretary David Lebryk, who stepped down after over three decades of public service. Reports indicate that his resignation coincided with requests from Musk and DOGE for confidential data from the Treasury.
“The Fiscal Service performs some of the most vital functions in government,” Lebryk stated in a letter to Treasury staff, emphasizing the importance of their work despite being less visible to the public. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with skilled operational personnel within the organization.
That afternoon, while the correspondence was sent to legislators, a crowd of demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Treasury, brandishing signs, beating drums, and chanting against the decision to provide DOGE access to sensitive payment systems. Protesters shouted slogans like “Deport Musk,” “Down with Trump,” and “Do your Job Congress!” Numerous Democratic lawmakers joined the rally, voicing their discontent.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) declared, “Elon Musk is seizing power from the American people,” highlighting the community’s intention to resist what she described as his attempt to consolidate power.
Montgomery County resident Maureen Jais-Mick was among those protesting, labeling the situation as a “blatant power grab” by Musk and DOGE. “This amounts to a coup,” she stated emphatically.
