Treasury Department Official Raises Concerns Over Tech Executive’s Access to Payment System
A Treasury Department official wrote a letter to federal lawmakers stating that a tech executive working with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency will have “read-only access” to the government’s payment system. Concerns were raised by members of Congress about potential security risks and missed payments for programs like Social Security and Medicare. Lawmakers are worried that Musk, as an unelected citizen, holds too much power within the U.S. government.
DOGE, a Trump administration task force aimed at reducing federal regulations and programs, has faced criticism for lacking transparency and public accountability. The official stated that ongoing reviews have not caused delays or rerouting of payments for obligations like Social Security and Medicare.
The tech executive, Tom Krause, is listed as the CEO of Cloud Software Group and is working as a “special government employee” at Treasury, subject to lesser rules on ethics and financial disclosures. Democratic lawmakers are concerned that payments could be withheld to suit political agendas. Some Democrats question the assertion that DOGE, Musk, and Krause only have “read-only access” to sensitive payment systems.
At least one lawsuit has been filed to stop DOGE and Musk from accessing the payment systems. Treasury’s acting Deputy Secretary resigned after Musk and DOGE requested access to sensitive Treasury data. Protesters gathered at the U.S. Treasury to demonstrate against the decision, with lawmakers speaking out against Musk’s power grab. Sen. Elizabeth Warren stated that Musk is seizing power from the American people, while a protester described the situation as a coup.
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