Musk's DOGE Gains Access to Federal Payroll System, Raising Cybersecurity Concerns

The Department of Government Efficiency secured access to sensitive employee data, sidelining officials who opposed the move as critics warn of governance risks.

DOGE, under Elon Musk's leadership, obtained administrative access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System, affecting 276,000 federal employees.
Senior Interior Department officials warned that granting access posed cybersecurity risks and violated standard protocols, but their concerns were bypassed.
DOGE employees can now view sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, and have increased authority over federal hiring and firing processes.
Two IT officials who resisted the access were placed on administrative leave and are under investigation for alleged workplace behavior.
The Interior Department defended the move as part of President Trump's directive to improve government efficiency, despite widespread criticism over transparency and oversight.