Musk team gains access to US government payroll system despite security concerns

ISTANBUL

Elon Musk’s controversial team tasked with shrinking the US government gained access to a federal payroll system over the weekend that processes salaries for about 276,000 government employees, according to sources familiar with the matter, The New York Times reported Monday.

The move, which overruled objections from senior IT staff, has raised concerns about the security of sensitive government personnel data, especially as Musk’s team has not been vetted for possible security red flags.

According to the report, IT officials had warned that the access could expose the system to cyberattacks, including potential threats from terrorists.

With this access, Musk’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) workers can view sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, and have the ability to make staffing decisions, such as hiring and firing. The system is managed by the US Interior Department.

The dispute escalated on Saturday, when DOGE workers obtained administrative access and placed two IT officials who had opposed the move on administrative leave and under investigation, sources told the Times.

This follows other attempts by DOGE to access federal systems, some of which have faced legal resistance and a loud backlash over giving unauthorized workers unfettered access to sensitive government data.

Kathryn Martin, an Interior Department spokeswoman, issued a statement saying the agency is working to implement US President Donald Trump's directive to reduce costs and improve government efficiency, in line with his executive orders.

Musk and his Tesla car dealerships have faced widespread protests over the efforts, especially after he tried to close entire government agencies without government approval and fired tens of thousands of government workers, branding them “unproductive” in a form letter.