Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been granted access to a sensitive Treasury Department payment system containing the personal data of all Americans receiving federal payments. This access, granted by newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, followed the resignation of a career Treasury official who opposed it. The move has sparked widespread concern from lawmakers, who fear it could be used to illegally withhold payments or to benefit Musk’s business interests. Critics argue this action represents an alarming attempt to undermine established government processes and potentially harm vulnerable populations. The situation is further complicated by reports of Musk allies locking out career civil servants from other government systems.
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David Lebryk, Treasury Department deputy secretary, is resigning following pressure from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE sought access to critical federal payment systems handling trillions of dollars annually, a request Lebryk resisted. This access attempt, authorized by a Trump executive order, raises concerns about potential misuse of power and control over essential government functions. The legality of DOGE’s actions remains unclear, but the incident highlights escalating efforts by Musk to influence federal operations.
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A high-ranking Treasury official recently resigned, reportedly after refusing to comply with Elon Musk’s demands regarding access to and control over the nation’s payment systems. This act of defiance highlights the alarming degree to which a small group, closely aligned with Musk, appears to be attempting to seize control of crucial government functions. The situation underscores significant concerns about national security and the integrity of American institutions.
The influx of Musk’s associates into key government positions is deeply troubling. The placement of former SpaceX and Tesla employees in senior advisory roles within agencies like the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and a lack of appropriate vetting.… Continue reading
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly exerting significant influence over multiple federal agencies, including the Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management. DOGE officials have clashed with career civil servants over access to sensitive systems controlling trillions of dollars in federal funds and have reportedly restricted employee access to sensitive data. This actions contradict DOGE’s initial purpose as an external advisory body and represent an unprecedented level of private sector control over government operations. The situation mirrors the chaos that followed Musk’s Twitter acquisition, raising serious concerns about potential conflicts of interest and misuse of power.
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Federal employees received a surprising directive: remove all gender-identifying pronouns from their email signatures by the end of the workday. This seemingly minor instruction has sparked a firestorm of reactions, ranging from bewildered compliance to outright defiance and scathing criticism.
The sheer pettiness of the order is a point of contention for many. Why dedicate time and resources to such a seemingly insignificant detail, especially when numerous pressing national issues demand attention? The argument that this action is somehow representative of “small government” is met with widespread ridicule. The perceived lack of priorities is striking, leading to frustration and anger over the perceived misallocation of governmental energy.… Continue reading
Elon Musk, through his allies now in key positions within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), orchestrated a mass buyout email offering to 2.3 million federal employees. This action, mirroring a similar move at X (formerly Twitter), bypassed OPM officials, who were reportedly unaware of the plan. Musk’s influence extends beyond his Department of Government Efficiency role, as he now effectively controls the replacement for the U.S. Digital Service office. The buyout’s legality and long-term implications remain uncertain, given Musk’s history of controversial employment practices.
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The White House is reportedly in discussions to facilitate a takeover of TikTok by Oracle and a group of US investors. This proposed deal stems from concerns about potential espionage and data security risks associated with the Chinese-owned social media platform. The current administration is clearly aiming to address these concerns through this corporate acquisition, but the situation is fraught with complexities and raises numerous questions.
The very idea of the government brokering such a large-scale corporate transaction is unusual, and the potential for conflicts of interest is significant. It appears that the administration is prioritizing national security concerns over traditional free-market principles, prompting accusations of government overreach and cronyism.… Continue reading
U.S. Secret Service agents, investigating a threat against a protected government official, visited a home and Hamline Elementary School in Chicago. Initially misidentified as ICE agents, the Secret Service agents were turned away by school administrators who followed established protocols. The agents did not gain access to students or staff, and the school maintained a safe learning environment. This incident followed recent threats of mass deportations in Chicago and the CPS’s policy to deny ICE access without a criminal judicial warrant.
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Agreeing to debates on unsubstantiated claims, like the efficacy of vaccines, only benefits those spreading misinformation, wasting valuable time and resources that could be better spent elsewhere. This strategy allows crackpot ideas to gain traction and normalize questioning of established scientific consensus. Furthermore, the incoming administration’s pro-crypto stance threatens increased government involvement in the volatile cryptocurrency market, potentially leading to a taxpayer-funded bailout of this risky industry. This follows a pattern of deregulation that favors wealthy individuals and corporations at the expense of the public good.
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The IRS’s new free direct tax filing system, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to simplify tax preparation for Americans. However, 27 House Republicans urged President-elect Trump to terminate the program, citing concerns about government overreach and a potential conflict of interest for the IRS. They argue the program gives the IRS an incentive to maximize tax revenue rather than ensure fair taxation. This initiative is part of broader Republican efforts to curtail increased IRS funding.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood