Elon Musk’s deputies have gained unauthorized access to a critical Treasury Department system responsible for trillions of dollars in U.S. government payments, according to sources. The move comes after the administration removed a top career official, David A. Lebryk, who had refused to grant access to Musk’s surrogates.
Lebryk, an acting secretary, was placed on administrative leave and later announced his retirement following the removal of Trump officials. Treasury officials declined to comment, while spokespersons for Musk’s organization, DOGE, also remained tight-lipped.
The sensitive systems, operated by the Bureau of Fiscal Service, control over $6 trillion annually and handle critical functions such as Social Security and Medicare payments, federal personnel salaries, and tax refunds. This level of access is rare and unusual, with career employees typically controlling payment systems.
Musk has expanded his influence across various government agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management and General Services Administration. His deputies’ gain of control over Treasury’s payment systems raises concerns among Democrats, who warn that such meddling could cause severe economic damage and compromise national security.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/02/01/elon-musk-treasury-payments-system