Key Points
Two associates of DOGE, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, will have restricted access to the Treasury Department’s payment system.
They will hold a “read-only” view, meaning they cannot make changes to the system.
This decision follows court proceedings addressing privacy concerns.
Background on DOGE’s Access
The Trump administration agreed to allow limited access for two Treasury Department employees, Tom Krause and Marko Elez, who are affiliated with DOGE. Both men, who transitioned from tech roles to government positions after Donald Trump took office, will have "read-only" access to the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service.
The department’s payment system handles over $5 trillion in government payments annually, including Social Security, tax returns, and federal salaries.
Court Proceedings and Privacy Concerns
Concerns arose after reports indicated DOGE sought access to this sensitive system, which stores crucial personal data of American citizens. Federal unions filed lawsuits, citing fears over potential privacy violations. The court hearing, led by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, revealed that DOGE associates, despite limited access, could view data but not alter it.
The Justice Department clarified that DOGE is setting “high-level policy,” while employees at Treasury are implementing it. While the Justice Department believes there is no breach of privacy at this stage, the situation is under close scrutiny.
Key Facts About DOGE’s Role
Limited Access: Krause and Elez have access to the system, but only in a “read-only” capacity.
Privacy Assurance: The Justice Department assures that no private data has been shared externally, but privacy concerns remain due to the sensitivity of the information involved.
Next Steps: A hearing at the end of the month will further address these concerns.
Ongoing Scrutiny
This case marks one of the first significant court challenges to Elon Musk’s attempt to reshape federal agencies through DOGE and its tech affiliates. The outcome of these proceedings could impact how future government-private partnerships are regulated, particularly when sensitive data is involved.
The case continues to unfold, with further hearings expected to provide clarity on the scope of DOGE's influence within the Treasury Department.
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