Democrats of the US House Oversight Committee are pushing federal agencies to investigate whether there is any national security-related threat arising from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, or the DOGE team. The committee members communicated their concerns via a letter released Thursday regarding the potential national security threats that may be faced following the unauthorized access to sensitive government systems by Musk’s DOGE team.
The lawmakers asked deputy inspectors general at a number of agencies, the US Treasury, Department of Education, and USAID for example, to investigate potential breaches. They complained that bad actors may have gained access to classified data and critical systems, including the payment systems used by the US holding personal identifying information. The letter also suggested Musk’s team may not have the appropriate vetting or clearances to access such sensitive government information.
The letter also faulted the Trump administration for sending USAID staff on leave while Musk openly declares his intent to close down the agency, referring to it as “beyond repair.” The lawmakers also said they have a deep concern that the national security could be compromised by the “DOGE team” under which Musk’s team is operating.
In defense, a White House official clarified that Musk and his engineers have appropriate security clearances to access payment data, though they are not authorized to alter it. The official assured that Musk’s team is operating fully within the law.
The letters were dispatched to deputy inspectors general because the critics claim that the recent dismissal of 17 independent watchdogs by President Trump administration could have opened the way for loyalists.
Thus far, Musk has made no comment about the allegations.
