WASHINGTON — Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee are raising concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s decision to grant billionaire Elon Musk and his team access to sensitive information and classified materials as part of their initiative to reform the federal government.
On Wednesday, the lawmakers reached out to Susie Wiles, the chief of staff to Trump, inquiring about the security measures implemented to prevent any unauthorized information leaks by personnel at the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly referred to as DOGE. Under Trump’s direction, Musk has been tasked with leading the team, which has rapidly begun to dismantle several federal agencies.
As part of these reform efforts, Musk and his team have reportedly accessed computer networks believed to hold sensitive medical and financial data pertaining to millions of Americans, in addition to federal payroll data, classified documents, insights from international intelligence partners, and the names of undercover operatives and intelligence sources.
In their correspondence, the senators cautioned that the mishandling of such information—whether done intentionally or accidentally—could jeopardize national security and the privacy of American citizens. They inquired whether Musk’s team had engaged with U.S. intelligence officials to discuss preventative measures against potential data misuse and any protocols in place to safeguard classified information, including the identities of CIA informants or the operations of intelligence personnel abroad.
The legislators emphasized the significant value of such sensitive information to foreign spy agencies, including those from Russia, China, and Iran, noting that exposure could threaten lives and compromise efforts to combat terrorism and other dangers to the U.S.
The communication was endorsed by seven Democratic members of the Intelligence Committee, alongside independent Senator Angus King from Maine. This letter was made public the same day the CIA announced it was offering buyouts to an undisclosed number of its employees.
Concerns were echoed by Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, a leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, who warned that the Trump administration’s assessment of CIA personnel could disclose critical information that endangers national security and operatives in the field.
“Such details are classified for a reason—protecting the identities of CIA personnel is essential to their safety and mission, which plays a vital role in safeguarding Americans every day,” Himes remarked.
As of now, the White House has not provided a response to the senators’ inquiries. Meanwhile, Musk has brushed off the critiques regarding his involvement with the government, insisting that they only reinforce the necessity of his efforts.
