Ossoff says Musk’s access to data could threaten U.S. security
WASHINGTON - One of Georgia’s two U.S. senators is warning that Elon Musk’s access to “Americans’ sensitive personal information could put our national security at risk.”
Sen. Jon Ossoff ed a group of senators who want the White House to address what they say are the dangers of giving unvetted access to classified information and sensitive government data to the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
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The agency was created by executive order and is not a Cabinet-level department. The creation of a Cabinet-level department requires the approval of Congress.
The senators addressed their concerns in a letter to Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff.
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“No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information,” the letter states. “As you know, information is classified to protect the national security interests of the United States. Government employees and contractors only receive access to such information after they have undergone a rigorous background investigation and demonstrated a ‘need to know.’ Circumventing these requirements creates enormous counterintelligence and security risks.”
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Ossoff, who is a member of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, and the other senators said DOGE’s access to government systems puts “Americans’ personal information, like Social Security numbers and bank details, at risk.”
istration officials said the decision was necessary to ensure that all funding complies with Trump’s executive orders, which are intended to undo progressive steps on transgender rights, environmental justice and diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts.
They also said that federal assistance to individuals would not be affected, including Social Security, Medicare, food stamps, student loans and scholarships.
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Musk, a billionaire ally of President Donald Trump, was tapped to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. Trump has said the organization will work from outside the federal government to offer the White House “advice and guidance” and will partner with the Office of Management and Budget to “drive large scale structural reform, and create an entrepreneurial approach to Government never seen before.”
The Associated Press reported that Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency gained access to sensitive U.S. Treasury Department data, including Social Security and Medicare customer payment systems, in early February.
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