Washington: Billionaire Elon Musk, who is leading U.S. President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce the size of the federal government, is set to deliver an update on the effort early Monday. His announcement comes amid reports that he has been granted access to a critical payments system at the U.S. Treasury Department.
Musk, who serves as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, will discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in a social media talk on X, the platform he owns. As part of Trump’s federal cost-cutting panel, Musk’s role has drawn heightened scrutiny, especially concerning his growing authority within government operations.
Concerns Over Treasury Access
According to a report by The New York Times, Musk has gained entry to a Treasury Department system responsible for processing more than $6 trillion annually in federal payments. This system manages disbursements for Social Security recipients, tax refunds, and other federal transactions, containing sensitive personal data of millions of Americans.
The revelation has triggered concerns among lawmakers, with some questioning the implications of Musk’s access to such a crucial financial infrastructure.
Democratic Senator Peter Welch, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, demanded explanations regarding the decision to grant Musk this level of access.
“It’s a gross abuse of power by an unelected bureaucrat and it shows money can buy power in the Trump White House,” Welch said in an emailed statement.
Trump’s Endorsement of Musk’s Role
Despite the criticism, Trump has expressed confidence in Musk’s leadership. When asked on Sunday whether Musk was performing well in his role, the president affirmed his support.
“He’s a big cost-cutter. Sometimes we won’t agree with it and we’ll not go where he wants to go. But I think he’s doing a great job. He’s a smart guy. Very smart. And he’s very much into cutting the budget of our federal budget,” Trump said.
Expanding Control Over Government Systems
Beyond the Treasury system, Musk’s team has reportedly taken control of several government platforms. According to Reuters, aides assigned to Musk have locked career civil servants out of key computer systems at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the federal agency handling human resources for government employees.
Sources indicate that a group of Musk’s current and former employees assumed command of OPM on January 20, the day of Trump’s inauguration. This rapid consolidation of power aligns with Trump’s broader effort to overhaul the federal government.
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Since taking office 11 days ago, Trump has aggressively pursued a government restructuring plan, dismissing and sidelining hundreds of civil servants in a move to downsize the bureaucracy while appointing officials more aligned with his administration’s agenda.
Implications of Musk’s Expanding Role
As Musk prepares to update the public on DOGE, questions persist regarding the extent of his influence and the potential consequences of his access to federal systems. Critics argue that his growing authority raises ethical and security concerns, while supporters see him as a necessary force for government efficiency.
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With scrutiny intensifying, Musk’s upcoming announcement is likely to spark further debate on the role of private-sector leaders in federal governance.
