Elon Musk’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to the Treasury Department system, which handles U.S. government payments and includes sensitive taxpayer data such as Social Security numbers for nearly every American. This access raises concerns over veterans’ personal data, including information about VA disability and retirement benefits.
Critics argue that Musk’s team can now access veterans’ personal data, including where they live and the amount of their earned VA benefits, without adequate oversight or cybersecurity measures in place. The Electronic Privacy Information Center warned that this could lead to a breach of sensitive information, compromising national security and individual privacy.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) has sounded the alarm, stating that veterans risked their lives to defend the country and deserve more than unaccountable billionaires playing with their benefits. The Treasury Department has not commented on concerns about veterans’ data being exposed to Musk’s team.
The White House has stated that Musk’s access is “read-only,” but critics argue that this still poses significant risks, including the ability to exfiltrate data. Two federal employees unions and an advocacy group have sued the Treasury Department over Musk’s access, arguing that it violates federal privacy laws.
Democrats are calling for a bill to prevent “unlawful meddling” in the Treasury Department’s payment systems, citing concerns over veterans’ personal data and national security.
Source: https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/02/04/infinite-nightmares-once-veterans-data-swept-musks-takeover-of-treasury-system.html