Musk rips ‘fraudulent’ Treasury payments as reports mount DOGE has access to federal payment system
Tech billionaire Elon Musk made headlines over the weekend as he ripped alleged “fraudulent” Treasury payments, revealing that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to the federal government’s payment system. The move comes as the second Trump administration aims to cut government fat and overspending.
In a post on social media platform X, Musk, who chairs DOGE, exposed troubling practices within the Treasury Department. He revealed that payment approval officers were instructed to always approve payments, even to known fraudulent or terrorist groups, without ever denying a payment in their entire careers. This revelation sheds light on the need for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.
The New York Times later reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had granted DOGE personnel access to the payment system, which processes roughly $6 trillion in payments for federal agencies each year. The news was met with mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a step towards fiscal responsibility, while others raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Senator Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, also took to social media to confirm that DOGE had been granted full access to the payment system. This access includes processing Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, and payments to government contractors, raising questions about the implications for Musk’s own companies.
The reported access to the payment system follows a clash within the Treasury Department over granting DOGE access. Former acting director David A. Lebryk reportedly clashed with DOGE before exiting the department. Additionally, reports emerged that civil servants within the Office of Personnel Management had been locked out of their computer systems by DOGE, further highlighting the power dynamics at play.
Musk, known for his ambitious projects and outspoken views, took to social media to express his thoughts on the developments. He emphasized the importance of working over the weekend as a “superpower,” noting that few in the bureaucracy actually work during that time, giving his team a strategic advantage.
The creation of DOGE via an executive order signed by President Trump underscores the administration’s commitment to cutting government overspending and fraud. Trump and Musk had long championed the idea of a government efficiency team, with the goal of rooting out wasteful spending and promoting fiscal responsibility.
Since its official creation, DOGE has made significant strides in cutting federal spending, including saving over $1 billion by canceling diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and personnel. The team’s work has been closely monitored and scrutinized, with both supporters and critics closely following their progress.
As the Trump administration continues its efforts to streamline government operations, the role of DOGE in shaping fiscal policy and promoting efficiency will be closely watched. The impact of Musk’s leadership and the team’s access to the payment system remain to be seen, but one thing is clear: the push for government efficiency is gaining momentum.
