Democrats Oppose DOGE Access to Treasury Systems, Citing Security Risks

[sidkhan2]

Democrats Oppose DOGE Access to Treasury Systems, Citing Security Risks

Democrats in Congress are actively pushing back against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, gaining access to sensitive U.S. Treasury data. They express concerns about potential political meddling and the risk to essential government payments such as Social Security, Medicare, and tax refunds.

Key Concerns Raised by Democrats:

Data Security: Democrats worry about the cybersecurity implications of DOGE accessing sensitive systems and the use of potentially unsecured email servers.
Potential Meddling: There are fears that officials associated with Musk might attempt to illegally withhold payments from various programs.
Lack of Transparency: Senator Ron Wyden has stated that the administration's claims about limited access are not believable.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries are collaborating on legislation to prevent unlawful interference in the Treasury Department’s payment systems. Schumer emphasized the need to protect Social Security and Medicare payments from potential tampering by DOGE.

White House Response:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has defended the administration’s actions, stating that the American people voted for accountability regarding their tax dollars. She emphasized the commitment to correcting past wrongs and ensuring transparency.

Treasury's Position:

The Treasury Department asserts that DOGE has "read-only access" to the government's payment system, similar to what is provided to auditors. They maintain that this review is not resulting in any suspensions or delays in disbursements, including Social Security and Medicare payments. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reassured Republican lawmakers that Musk does not have control over the payment system

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/lo...voking-unhinged-violent-rhetoric-against-musk

 

[RClarkTaylor]

Jonathan Turley, a law professor at George Washington University, discussed Elon Musk's role in restructuring the government, drawing parallels to Musk's leadership at Twitter (now X) .

Key Points from Turley's Commentary:

Musk as a Catalyst for Change: Turley likens Musk to a "badger" thrown into a "crowded car" to encourage people to leave, suggesting that Musk's presence is meant to shake up the existing system and force change.
Rejection of Path Dependence: Turley emphasizes Musk's reputation for "rejecting path dependence" and thinking "outside the box". This means Musk is willing to disregard traditional methods and find new, innovative solutions.
Musk's Success at Twitter: Turley points to Musk's drastic staff reductions at Twitter as an example of his unconventional but effective leadership. Despite predictions of failure, Twitter became more efficient after Musk fired a large percentage of its employees. Other tech companies, like Meta, have since emulated Musk's model to achieve greater efficiency.
Government Restructuring: Turley suggests that President Trump brought in Musk to "defibrillate the federal government" and "shock it into a new shape". The goal is to reduce government size and waste, something Trump pledged during his campaign .
Opposition to Change: Turley notes that the opposition to Musk's efforts is expected and, in some ways, desired by Trump, as it highlights the resistance to shrinking the government.

Musk's Leadership Style:
Unconventional and Disruptive: Musk's leadership style is often described as unconventional and disruptive, challenging traditional management.
Emphasis on Efficiency: Musk prioritizes efficiency and is willing to make drastic changes to achieve it.
High Expectations: Musk sets high expectations for his employees and is known for swiftly removing under performers.
Hands-on Approach: Musk is known for his hands-on approach and direct involvement in projects.
Visionary Mindset: He prioritizes tackling challenges with a "visionary mindset and an unwavering determination to push boundaries".

Potential Drawbacks:
High Turnover: Musk's management style can lead to high turnover and burnout among employees .
Toxic Work Environment: Allegations of toxic work environments and disregard for employee well-being have been raised.


Conclusion:
Turley's commentary suggests that Elon Musk's role in the government is to disrupt the status quo and drive change, similar to his approach at Twitter. While this may cause discomfort and opposition, it aligns with President Trump's goal of shrinking the government and improving efficiency. Musk's unconventional leadership style, characterized by a rejection of traditional methods and a focus on results, is seen as a way to achieve these goals.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1887850714510004471

Picture Courtesy To FOX NEWS

 

[MegynKelly]

Since its founding the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk purportedly saved American taxpayers more than $90 billion. Goal of this massive project which was started during the Trump administration is to reduce unnecessary spending in a number of government agencies and streamline federal operations. DOGE initiative attracted notice for its emphasis on removing inefficiencies, especially with regard to diversity, equality and inclusion DEI contracts which Musk characterized as wasteful spendings.

DOGE made great progress in finding and reducing costs since its founding on 20 January 2025. Early reports indicated that the scheme had already saved over $1 billion by cutting DEI contracts and other unnecessary spending. The plan set the lofty target of cutting federal spending by $2 trillion in a short period of time as it proceeds. Objective are in line with larger initiatives to deal with nation's mounting debt which is now risen to an all time high of $36 trillion. Musk and his team made it plan that they are dedicated to eradicating waste fraud and abuse in government spending as part of their mandate.

DOGE detractors expressed worries about the possible repercussions of its quick cost-cutting initiatives. Some contend that political ideology rather than true budgetary responsibility is what motivates the endeavor. Concerns have also been raised about Musk potential access to private government information through DOGE operations especially when it gained access to the Treasury Department's payment system. Unions and advocacy organizations file lawsuits in result of this access alleging that private taxpayer data may be compromised. Despite these challenges supporters maintain that DOGE efforts represent a necessary step toward improving government efficiency and accountability.

DOGE continues its work it remains to be seen how its initiatives will impact both federal operations and public perception. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the balance between efficiency and ethical governance will be crucial as the program seeks to navigate the complexities of federal bureaucracy while delivering on its promise of substantial savings for American taxpayers.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1890119873109586204