Elon Musk outlines ‘super obvious’ changes DOGE and Treasury have agreed to make

Billionaire Elon Musk has unveiled a series of “super obvious” changes that his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to implement at the U.S. Treasury Department. Musk emphasized the need for simplifying the government’s financial records to facilitate auditing and increasing accountability in tracking where funds are allocated. Additionally, the changes will require treasury employees to regularly update the congressional “do not pay” list, which identifies fraudulent activities and illegal entities.

Musk praised the dedication of the treasury’s working-level staff who have long advocated for these reforms but were hindered by prior management. He criticized the previous management for prioritizing complaint minimization over addressing fraudulent activities, allowing fraudsters to exploit the system. The Tesla CEO stressed the urgency of addressing the issue, citing alarming statistics that reveal over $100 billion annually in entitlement payments to individuals without valid identification, with an estimated $50 billion attributed to clear fraud.

Despite facing obstacles, Musk remains steadfast in his commitment to reforming the treasury department. However, a recent setback occurred when a federal judge intervened to block DOGE’s access to treasury department systems. Musk condemned the ruling as “insane,” highlighting the importance of implementing transparent and efficient financial practices.

The lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic attorneys general accused Musk’s team of unlawfully accessing the Treasury’s payment systems, which contain sensitive information such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, and tax refunds. New York Attorney General Letitia James emphasized the importance of safeguarding Americans’ private information and ensuring compliance with congressional regulations.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has voiced support for Musk and DOGE, acknowledging the need for improved financial accountability and accuracy within the department. Bessent emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the treasury’s payment system while exploring avenues to enhance transparency and traceability of funds.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s efforts to streamline operations at the U.S. Treasury Department reflect a broader commitment to promoting government efficiency and combatting fraudulent activities. Despite facing legal challenges, Musk remains resolute in his pursuit of implementing necessary reforms to safeguard taxpayer funds and enhance financial accountability.

Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.