The U.S. Treasury Department and the White House are under increasing pressure after revelations surfaced about a technologist linked to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) being granted write access to critical Treasury systems. Despite official statements denying that DOGE had the ability to alter these systems, reports have confirmed that at least one DOGE operative was given this privilege, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the systems handling federal spending.
Elez’s Role in Treasury’s Sensitive Systems
Marko Elez, a 25-year-old technologist with a background at Musk’s SpaceX and X, was placed in a key position at the Treasury Department as a special government employee. Elez was given access to two of the most sensitive Treasury systems: the Payment Automation Manager (PAM) and the Secure Payment System (SPS). These systems are responsible for processing vast sums, including Social Security payments and veterans’ benefits, amounting to $5.45 trillion in fiscal year 2024.
The shocking revelation that Elez was not only able to read but also write and edit code on these systems raised alarms among Treasury staff. Despite earlier assurances from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and others that DOGE’s access was strictly “read-only,” reports confirm that Elez had the ability to modify these systems.
Allegations and Resignation
Elez’s position came under even more scrutiny when The Wall Street Journal discovered his connection to a now-deleted social media account that espoused racist and eugenic views. This prompted Elez to resign, as his controversial past became widely known. However, sources told WIRED that his write access was only revoked after the controversy surrounding his social media activity came to light.
Internal Struggles and Access Controversy
The situation escalated on January 31 when David Lebryk, a senior Treasury official, announced his retirement after reportedly resisting pressure to grant DOGE access to federal systems. Following his departure, Elez was granted full access to PAM and SPS, raising questions about the timing and decision-making process within the Treasury.
In the days that followed, both Treasury Secretary Bessent and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt continued to claim that DOGE staff had only read-only access. However, this narrative was contradicted by reports from WIRED and Talking Points Memo, which confirmed that Elez had been making changes to the Treasury’s code.
Risks of System Manipulation
The ability to alter the code of systems that handle federal payments poses significant risks. If misused, such access could enable unauthorized interference with payments to citizens and entities. Reports have suggested that DOGE operatives, including those close to Musk, may have pressured the Treasury to halt payments to foreign aid organizations like USAID, further fueling concerns about the potential for misuse.
On February 4, Treasury official Jonathan Blum wrote to Senator Ron Wyden, reiterating that DOGE staff only had “read-only” access. Yet, sources confirmed that Elez’s privileges remained in place until February 5, when they were finally reduced in response to growing criticism.
Court Orders Restraints
On February 5, a federal judge intervened, issuing a temporary restraining order barring DOGE staff from accessing or altering Treasury systems. While the court allowed exceptions for Elez and another senior DOGE operative, Tom Krause, it confirmed that their access was now limited to read-only. Despite this, critics argue that any level of access to such sensitive systems remains a serious security risk.
One Treasury employee voiced concerns, stating that even with read-only access, Elez should never have been able to view or interact with the nearly $5 trillion managed by the PAM and SPS systems.
Senator Ron Wyden has become a vocal critic of DOGE’s involvement with federal payment systems, vowing to hold those responsible accountable for any misconduct. “People will be held accountable for the crimes they’re committing in this coup attempt,” Wyden stated, emphasizing his commitment to investigating the matter further.
