The move gives Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency access to trillions in government expenditures, sparking concerns over political interference

In a move that has raised alarm bells in Washington, the U.S. Treasury Department has granted Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team access to the federal payment system, a system that handles trillions of dollars in government spending. This payment system, essentially a “checkbook” for the entire federal government, is closely guarded and typically only accessible to a limited number of career officials due to its sensitive nature.

Sources familiar with the matter have confirmed that the decision to grant Musk’s team access has caused a significant rift within the Treasury Department. David Lebryk, a career official who previously oversaw the system, was reportedly placed on administrative leave after resisting the move. Lebryk later announced his retirement, further raising eyebrows within the department.

The payment system is crucial, as it manages the disbursement of funds for a variety of government programs, impacting the financial lives of hundreds of millions of Americans. Any attempts by Musk’s team to influence or block payments would likely face legal challenges, as these expenditures are approved by Congress.

While the Treasury Department has not publicly commented on the matter, the controversy has sparked intense political backlash. Sen. Ron Wyden, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, expressed grave concern about potential political interference in the payment system. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Wyden warned that any “politically-motivated meddling” could cause irreparable damage to the economy, adding that such actions could jeopardise critical government programs.

The concerns are further compounded by recent reports of Musk’s team freezing federal grants and loans, leading to speculation that the access granted to Musk could be part of a broader strategy to control or withhold payments to certain programs. Wyden called out Musk’s political operators, questioning their motives and accusing them of disregarding the law.

With no official comment from DOGE, the White House, or the Treasury Department, the situation remains tense. As more details about the scope and intentions of Musk’s government efficiency team emerge, this move has sparked a fierce debate about the intersection of politics, technology, and financial governance in the U.S.