- United States
- Pa.
- Letter
Congress must act swiftly to rein in the unprecedented and unchecked power granted to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Allowing a billionaire with clear conflicts of interest unfettered access to government data systems and the federal payment system poses grave risks to democratic accountability and the rule of law. Musk's attempts to consolidate control over spending and shutter agencies like USAID without Congressional approval are alarming violations of the separation of powers. His access to classified information and ability to unilaterally halt funding for vital programs jeopardizes national security interests. This consolidation of power in the hands of an unelected individual undermines government transparency and oversight. Restoring checks and balances is critical. Congress should immediately revoke DOGE's access to payment systems and agency data. Robust oversight hearings must be convened to investigate potential misuse of government resources and personal enrichment by Musk. Clear limits on the influence of private interests in government affairs should be codified into law. Protecting democratic norms necessitates swiftly curtailing DOGE's unconstrained authority.