Team granted 'full access' to federal payment system

Elon Musk's Doge team has been granted "full access" to the federal payment system, which manages over $6 trillion in annual cash flow and contains sensitive personal data of millions of Americans. This access was confirmed by Senator Ron Wyden, who expressed concerns about the implications of such a move. The arrangement was facilitated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who took office under the Trump administration. The data accessible to Musk's team includes information related to social security, Medicare benefits, and payments to government contractors. Wyden has raised alarms about the potential for political interference and national security risks, particularly given Musk's business interests in China. The situation has led to significant administrative changes within the Treasury Department, including the retirement of a top civil servant who opposed the access. Critics fear that Musk's involvement could disrupt essential federal programs and compromise cybersecurity.

- Elon Musk's Doge team has been granted access to sensitive federal payment systems.

- The system manages over $6 trillion in federal cash flow annually.

- Concerns have been raised about potential political interference and national security risks.

- The arrangement was facilitated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent under the Trump administration.

- Administrative changes in the Treasury Department have occurred in response to this access.