Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team at the U.S. Treasury has reportedly gained full administrative access to critical payment systems, contradicting earlier claims that their role was limited to “read-only” access. These systems handle approximately 95% of all U.S. government payments, including Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and federal contract disbursements.
A report from Wired first revealed that a 25-year-old DOGE operative, Marko Elez, had administrator privileges over the Treasury’s payment systems. Further investigations confirmed that Elez has already made extensive modifications to the system’s code base. This discovery has heightened fears that Musk’s growing influence in government operations could lead to major disruptions.
Treasury downplays concerns
Despite the concerns, the Treasury Department insists that Musk’s team is only reviewing the payment systems to “maximize payment integrity for agencies and the public.” The agency denies that DOGE’s involvement has delayed any federal payments, including Medicare and Social Security.
In response to growing backlash, Treasury officials claim that the review process has not interfered with ongoing operations. “There has been no suspension or rejection of any payment instructions submitted by federal agencies,” wrote Treasury’s Jonathan Blum in a letter to Senator Ron Wyden.
Wyden, however, remains unconvinced. “I’m sure the Treasury secretary and the president want to downplay the risks as Elon Musk seizes power, but nothing they’re saying is believable or trustworthy,” he said.
Protests erupt in Washington
The news has sparked outrage, with thousands of protesters gathering outside the Treasury Department. Demonstrators held signs reading, “Nobody elected Musk” and “Protect our money.”
Concerns over Musk’s expanding role in government affairs have intensified after his Department of Government Efficiency shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and merged its functions into the State Department.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers attempted to enter the Treasury Department to confront Secretary Scott Bessent but were reportedly denied access. “Elon Musk is seizing power from the American people. We are here to fight back,” said Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Musk defends his involvement
Musk responded to the backlash by accusing Treasury officials of failing to prevent fraud. “The @DOGE team discovered, among other things, that payment approval officers at Treasury were instructed always to approve payments, even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups,” he wrote on social media.
Republican leaders have largely remained silent on the issue, though some have praised Musk’s efforts to reduce government spending. However, House Democrats have introduced a bill aimed at restricting non-elected officials like Musk from gaining access to critical government systems.
As scrutiny over Musk’s role in government affairs intensifies, many are questioning whether his influence over federal operations will continue to expand or if Congress will intervene.
