1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

The alarming reports about Elon Musk's unelected and unaccountable private group, inappropriately dubbed the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), unlawfully accessing highly sensitive government payment systems and personal data is a blatant attack on our democratic institutions. This rogue enterprise has no legitimate authority to take over core functions of government or handle confidential information about American citizens. Such actions constitute a de facto coup attempt against the lawfully elected government. We cannot stand by while a billionaire utilizes his wealth and power to subvert the rule of law and violate the constitutional separation of powers. Musk's self-appointed "DOGE" cadre has not sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution or serve the public interest. They are unelected, unaccountable private citizens usurping control over systems and data that belong to the American people, potentially for personal gain or malicious intent. This outrageous overreach demands an immediate and forceful response from Congress to assert its constitutional authority and protect our democratic process. As elected representatives of the people, it is your sworn duty to rein in this reckless abuse of power and safeguard the integrity of our government institutions from such brazen attempts at a private takeover. Failure to act decisively would set a perilous precedent that jeopardizes the foundations of our republic. The Senate Finance Committee, which has direct oversight of the Treasury Department's payment systems, must urgently investigate these disturbing transgressions and take all necessary steps to revoke DOGE's illicit access, secure the compromised systems, and hold the perpetrators accountable through criminal prosecution if warranted. Imagine my surprise when I saw that you, my senator, Marsha Blackburn, are on the Senate Finance Committee. You're derelict in your duty to protect us if you keep standing around doing nothing. The American public expects and demands no less from their elected leaders in defense of our democracy.