Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has authorized Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team to access the federal payment system, which manages over $6 trillion annually, including Social Security and Medicare disbursements.
This move follows a standoff earlier in the week with Treasury official David Lebryk, who had resisted allowing access. Lebryk was placed on leave and retired abruptly on Friday after the dispute.
The move raises concerns
Critics are concerned about the potential misuse of sensitive data and the possibility of withholding payments to certain programs.
While billionaire Musk claims his team aims to identify and prevent fraudulent or improper payments, some lawmakers fear DOGE’s involvement could lead to manipulation of payment processes.
Congressional Democrats, including Sen. Ron Wyden, warned Tesla and SpaceX owner Musk could gain information that would aid his business interests.
The situation has sparked a broader debate about the balance between enhancing government efficiency and maintaining safeguards against potential abuses of power.