DOGE Access to Treasury Systems Restricted Amid Concerns Over CMS Scrutiny
A federal court has temporarily restricted access to U.S. Treasury payment systems for Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team23.
The court order limits access to read-only privileges for two DOGE aides who were made special government employees at the Treasury2.
DOGE representatives have been examining CMS's payment and contracting systems, as well as its organizational design and staffing1.
A lawsuit was filed by advocacy groups and unions against the Treasury Department, alleging violations of privacy protections23.
The Treasury Department claims DOGE representatives have "read-only" access to payment systems, but whistleblowers suggest they may have had more extensive privileges3.
Concerns have been raised about potential misuse of sensitive financial information and the impact on government payment systems37.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stated that senior agency veterans are leading the collaboration with DOGE, ensuring appropriate access to CMS systems4.
Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern about DOGE's access to federal payment systems and its potential implications57.
Sources:
1. https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/doge-team-searching-cms-payment-system-for-fraud-wsj-reports-1034317207
2. https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/06/federalcourtleashesdogestresury_access/
3. https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20250206262/inside-the-fight-to-stop-elon-musk-and-doge-from-accessing-your-personal-financial-information
4. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-statement-collaboration-doge
5. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/treasury-says-elon-musk-doge-has-read-only-access-to-payment-systems/
7. https://truthout.org/articles/unions-sue-to-halt-musk-teams-access-to-critical-treasury-payment-system/