Treasury’s payment systems, controlling over $6 trillion annually in payments, are overseen by a small number of career officials. Recent access granted to Elon Musk to these sensitive systems has alarmed former Treasury and OMB officials, who are unsure of his motives. The concern centers on the potential for targeted disruption of government payments, mirroring previous attempts to freeze federal funding. This raises questions about whether Musk aims to selectively halt payments authorized by Congress, echoing past efforts to control government spending.
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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
Through a 2021 Congressional act granting temporary access, the Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service has already recovered over $31 million in improper Social Security payments made to deceased individuals using the SSA’s Full Death Master File. This initiative, projected to recover over $215 million by 2026, demonstrates significant progress in combating fraud and waste within the Social Security system. The Treasury advocates for permanent access to the file to further enhance program integrity and safeguard taxpayer funds. The incoming administration’s stance on continuing this effort remains unclear.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood