Elon Musk’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency has attained access to the federal payroll system, stirring significant security concerns.
Key Insights
- DOGE, under Elon Musk, now has access to the federal payroll system managing 276,000 workers.
- Officials issued warnings about potential risks including cybercrime and exposure to sensitive information.
- Access was granted without required formal training for DOGE employees.
- The access contradicts common protocol, leading to internal dissent and investigations.
- DOGE’s actions align with President Trump’s directive to cut government costs.
Access to Federal Payroll System
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to the federal payroll system. This system processes salaries for approximately 276,000 federal workers. The access was achieved despite warnings from senior officials about the potential risks of cybercrime and exposure to sensitive personal information.
DOGE obtained this access after weeks of attempts. The process reportedly overlooked required formal training for team members, which raised concerns about operator error.
Internal Warnings and Dissent
Senior staff expressed concerns about granting access to DOGE without necessary qualifications. A memo highlighted the risks associated with untrained individuals having access to systems handling sensitive employee information.
The decision to grant DOGE access led to internal conflict, with some dissenting officials placed on administrative leave and under investigation. This development is part of broader efforts by DOGE, which has faced legal challenges regarding access to other federal systems.
DOGE demanded full access to a US Department of the Interior system that handles even the Supreme Court's paychecks. When top staff asked questions, they were put on leave. https://t.co/9xGlPdlWPv
— WIRED (@WIRED) March 31, 2025
Efforts Aligned with Presidential Directives
The Interior Department stated that granting access to DOGE is part of executing President Trump’s directive to cut costs and improve government efficiency.
Amid the turmoil, senior IT staff objected due to concerns about compromising government personnel information and potential cyberattacks.
Sources:
- Elon Musk-led DOGE finally gains access to highly sensitive Federal Personnel, Payroll System – Daily Post Nigeria
- DOGE Accesses Federal Payroll System Over Objections of Career Staff – The New York Times
- Musk’s Doge gains access to federal payroll system despite staff warnings | Trump administration | The Guardian
