Democratic members of Congress voiced strong opposition to Elon Musk's access to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, a Treasury Department office managing trillions in payments annually. This access, reportedly granted through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity focused on reducing federal spending, has sparked concerns among lawmakers. The protests intensified following allegations by Musk regarding fraudulent Treasury payments and his assertion that payment approval officers consistently approved payments, even to potentially problematic entities.
During a rally, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) expressed outrage, calling for protests and characterizing the situation as a "war." She questioned the propriety of granting access to the Treasury Department based on campaign contributions. Musk's weekend post on X, alleging fraudulent payment approvals within the Treasury, further fueled the controversy.
Former President Trump, while acknowledging Musk's involvement, emphasized that any actions require his approval. A Treasury Department official clarified in a letter to lawmakers that a tech executive working with DOGE would have "read-only access" to the payment system, aiming to address concerns about security risks and potential disruptions to programs like Social Security and Medicare. However, some Democrats remain skeptical, questioning the extent of Musk's access and influence over taxpayer funds. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Fla.) voiced concerns about the lack of oversight and the potential for misuse of taxpayer money.
These protests follow House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' (D-N.Y.) pledge to oppose the Trump administration's agenda, citing concerns about tax cuts for the wealthy and the burden on working-class Americans. This incident highlights the growing tension surrounding Musk's involvement in government affairs and the potential implications for financial security and public trust.
