- United States
- Va.
- Letter
The demands from Elon Musk's DOGE group to gain access to the Treasury Department's payment systems that control the distribution of over $6 trillion annually, including Social Security, Medicare, tax refunds, and federal salaries, are deeply concerning. Musk is an unelected billionaire with extensive private business interests, yet he appears to be overstepping his advisory role and exerting undue influence over critical government functions. Granting DOGE access to these systems poses risks of misuse for partisan agendas or personal gain, undermining the nonpartisan administration of essential public services. Career officials like David Lebryk, who resigned after refusing DOGE's demands, have dedicated decades to ensuring these payments are distributed fairly and efficiently, without interference. As a taxpayer helping to fund these systems, I am troubled by the prospect of an unaccountable private citizen like Musk having the ability to manipulate or disrupt their operations. These payment platforms distribute vital benefits that millions of Americans rely upon. Preserving their integrity from potential abuse or exploitation must be the top priority. I urge you to take immediate action to block Musk and his affiliates from accessing these critical Treasury systems and to reinforce longstanding protections against improper private influence over public resources.