1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

Preventing unauthorized access to sensitive personal data of U.S. citizens is a matter of grave importance that demands immediate action. The unilateral decision by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to gain access to federal payment systems containing private information raises serious concerns about potential abuse and violation of privacy rights. As an unelected official, Musk lacks the legal mandate or public consent to wield such immense power over citizens' personal data without proper oversight mechanisms in place. It is crucial to safeguard the integrity of these payment systems, which facilitate essential government programs like Social Security and Medicare that millions of Americans rely upon. Allowing DOGE unrestricted access not only jeopardizes data privacy but also risks disrupting crucial financial flows, potentially leading to missed or delayed payments that could severely impact vulnerable sections of the population. Furthermore, Musk's openly stated intentions to shut down payments to specific organizations using this access is a concerning overreach that undermines the checks and balances inherent in the democratic process. Decisions impacting federal funding allocations should be made through established legislative channels, not by the unilateral actions of a private individual. In light of these pressing concerns, it is imperative to immediately revoke DOGE's access to the federal payment systems until proper oversight and robust data protection measures are implemented. Preserving citizens' privacy and upholding the sanctity of democratic principles must take precedence over any purported claims of efficiency or cost-saving. The risks of inaction are far too grave to ignore.