Elon Must isn’t just the world’s richest person. He’s also a man who may now have access to every single taxpayer’s personal financial data.
On Jan. 31, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent granted members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including Musk, access to the U.S. Treasury’s federal payment system. This system disburses trillions of dollars each year for programs that include Social Security and Medicare. It’s unclear what happens next.
With this move, Musk has effectively gained access to the federal government’s checkbook. As a result, Musk, tasked with cutting wasteful spending, has attained a level of control that many find unsettling.
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The decision to grant Musk access to the Treasury’s payment system was not without controversy either. Last week, David Lebryk, a top Treasury official who worked there for decades, was ousted after aiming to block Musk’s access. He was initially put on leave and subsequently announced his retirement.
Democrats push back
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) questioned the decision to grant Musk access to the federal…
