DOGE’s link to US secrets endangers national security, say Democrats

In Washington, concerns have been raised by Democratic legislators regarding actions by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the potential exposure of national security secrets through insecure communication methods.

Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Representative Gerry Connolly from Virginia, joined by other Democratic figures, issued a letter on Thursday. They argue that Musk’s actions alongside President Donald Trump’s budget-cutting strategies could jeopardize U.S. national security by potentially leaking sensitive information pertaining to the country’s defense and intelligence agencies.

Such disclosures could significantly benefit U.S. adversaries, providing them with vital insights into American defense priorities and the allocation of resources across various missions and strategic objectives, the legislators warned.

Staff associated with Musk have obtained access to numerous confidential government databases bypassing traditional security vetting. These contain delicate personal and business information, alongside employment details and government operational data.

Some of this data reportedly includes classified materials, like the exact workforce numbers within specific intelligence sectors. The letter also claims that in the past few weeks, DOGE personnel have used unauthorized servers and unidentified AI systems for data analysis and storage. The information has been shared over unsecured networks, increasing the likelihood that foreign entities, criminal organizations, or internal threats might access or exploit this data.

Furthermore, despite guarantees that the DOGE platform would not disclose data from intelligence communities, material from the National Reconnaissance Office was allegedly easily accessible, sparking additional concerns among lawmakers.

The Democrats expressed worries over DOGE’s potential reduction in spending and staffing without comprehending the national security consequences until potentially too late. They referenced an incident where the government attempted to rehire employees involved in nuclear weapon projects after laying them off.

The letter noted that DOGE personnel may not fully understand the data to which they have unrestricted access. Given their careless handling, these staff members could pose a significant threat to national security and the U.S. economy.

In their communication, the Democratic congress members demand clarity on DOGE’s staffing, its security measures, and an explanation of how the accessed data has been used or potentially misused since DOGE’s inception earlier this year.

Musk and Trump have stood by DOGE’s contributions, claiming substantial financial savings. As of Thursday, neither DOGE nor the White House has provided a response to inquiries regarding the legislators’ letter.