The U.S. Treasury confirmed that Elon Musk’s government-efficiency team has been granted “read-only access” to its payment system codes but denied any disruption to government payments, including Social Security and Medicare. The review aims to “maximize payment integrity,” according to a letter from Treasury official Jonathan Blum to Senator Ron Wyden.
Despite assurances, backlash erupted as thousands protested outside the Treasury, accusing Musk of overreach. Some carried signs reading, “Nobody Elected Musk” and “Bessent, You Have One Job!” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has not commented on Musk’s involvement, though reports suggest his team, led by Cloud Software CEO Tom Krause, is conducting the review.
The controversy follows Musk’s broader influence on government operations under President Donald Trump’s administration, including the recent shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which was merged into the State Department. Wyden and other Democratic lawmakers have voiced concerns over Musk’s influence, pushing legislation to restrict access to sensitive government data.
Protester Rebecca Weiss expressed fears over Musk’s potential misuse of personal data, stating, “He’s a data guy, and now he has access to everyone’s personal information.” Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren called the move a “seizure of power” and vowed to fight back.
While Treasury insists the review won’t delay payments, skepticism remains high. Lawmakers and citizens continue to demand transparency, questioning why Musk, an unelected figure, wields such influence over critical financial systems.