1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Access to sensitive taxpayer data puts millions of Americans at risk of privacy violations and potential misuse by political appointees. DOGE's demands for unprecedented access to IRS systems containing detailed financial information and Social Security Administration records with personal health data raise serious civil liberties concerns. This data could be weaponized against perceived enemies or leaked in a breach, undermining public trust. The confidentiality of tax returns has been closely guarded since the Watergate era precisely to prevent abuse by officials. DOGE's activities lack transparency on the scope and justification for accessing this private information beyond its original mandate for agency IT modernization. Without proper oversight and accountability measures, voluntary tax compliance and government revenue streams will suffer if the public fears their data is no longer protected. Strict guardrails must be implemented to safeguard this sensitive data from improper access or disclosure, with clear penalties for violations to uphold cherished privacy rights.