The US Treasury Department has denied any intention of halting or rejecting federal payments, committing to safeguarding the nation’s payment system amid widespread criticism. The department sent a letter to Congress stating it would conduct an assessment to “maximize payment integrity” for agencies and the public.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has yet to comment on the matter. The department is reviewing the system to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Critics are concerned about data privacy, potential conflicts of interest, and the possibility of federal funds being mishandled during a standoff over the debt limit.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden have called for an investigation into Elon Musk’s access to the payment system, citing concerns over its legitimacy and implications. The department denies any wrongdoing by Musk’s team in accessing the data, stating that an official with necessary security clearances is working on operational efficiency assessments.
The situation has sparked protests outside the Treasury Department building, with hundreds gathering to express opposition to Musk’s involvement in the federal payments system.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/us/politics/elon-musk-federal-payments.html