The US media reports that the Trump administration has granted Elon Musk's deputies access to the federal payments system, which manages the flow of trillions of dollars in government funds annually. Members of the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) have reportedly gained access to sensitive personal data of millions of Americans, triggering conflicts with officials from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
After President Trump's recent launch of Doge, the team has expanded its reach across various government agencies with the aim of reducing federal expenditures. Musk, alongside allies from private companies and Silicon Valley, initiated this effort.
This development has stirred unrest within government entities like the Treasury Department and USAID, institutions criticized by Musk on social media platforms. Musk labeled USAID as evil" and accused Treasury employees of "breaking the law every hour of every day.
The access to the Treasury's payment system, handling payments of nearly $6 trillion for programs such as Social Security and government salaries, was granted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The New York Times reported that David Lebryk, a long-time Treasury official, was put on leave and retired after strongly opposing Musk's associates gaining access to the payment system, citing the potential risk of interference and severe consequences for the country and the economy.
Senator Ron Wyden expressed concern in a letter to Bessent, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the payment systems to uphold the United States' credit and security. Musk's allies have also stirred turbulence at the USAID, an agency responsible for distributing billions in aid globally.
The Trump administration faced internal challenges with employees reporting on diversity efforts and offers of paid resignations from the Office of Personnel Management post the signing of multiple executive orders. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control website experienced data removal, such as links on LGBT health and vaccines, raising concerns about reliable access to scientific and medical information.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs aim to foster workplace diversity, though critics argue they can lead to discrimination.