By Elon Musk, appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has raised serious concerns about the U.S. Treasury Department’s payment practices. After gaining access to the Treasury’s payment system, Musk alleged that officials were instructed to approve payments indiscriminately, even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups. He claimed, “They literally never denied a payment,” suggesting a systemic failure in oversight.
This revelation came after a reported conflict between Musk’s team and senior Treasury officials. David Lebryk, the Treasury’s top career official, was placed on leave following disagreements over granting DOGE access to the payment system. Subsequently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent authorized Musk’s team to access the system, which processes over $6 trillion annually and contains personal information of millions of Americans.
In response to these findings, Musk announced that DOGE is actively shutting down certain payments to federal contractors, aiming to curb what he describes as “illegal payments.” This move has sparked concerns about potential disruptions to essential services, including Social Security and Medicare benefits. Senator Ron Wyden has expressed apprehension regarding the extent of Musk’s access and the possible implications for critical government functions.
Critics argue that Musk’s actions may exceed his authority and could lead to unintended consequences, such as delays in legitimate payments and the undermining of public trust in government institutions. The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach to reforming government operations, ensuring that efforts to enhance efficiency do not compromise essential services or accountability.
