US senators demand answers on Musk’s access to classified government data

ISTANBUL

A group of Democratic lawmakers demanded answers from the Trump administration Wednesday over concerns that unvetted staff from the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by billionaire Elon Musk have been granted access to classified materials and sensitive government data.

In a letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, eight members of the Senate Intelligence Committee demanded details on how Musk and his team are being vetted, what information they have access to, and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse.

The senators warned that Musk’s access to intelligence reports, federal payroll systems and databases containing Americans’ financial and medical records could pose serious national security risks.

They also raised alarms about the potential exposure of classified information, including intelligence from foreign partners and the identities of undercover agents.

“Circumventing standard vetting procedures creates enormous counterintelligence and security risks,” the senators wrote.

“Unauthorized access to classified information risks exposure of our operations and potentially compromises not only our own sources and methods but also those of our allies.”

President Donald Trump appointed Musk to lead DOGE, a task force aiming to streamline federal operations and reduce wasteful spending.

Since its inception, DOGE has undertaken significant actions, including gaining access to sensitive government databases.

Reports indicate that the US Treasury Department granted Musk and his team access to the federal payment system, which manages trillions of dollars in government expenditures and contains personal financial data of millions of Americans.

The senators questioned whether Musk’s team has consulted intelligence officials on protecting classified data and what measures are in place to prevent leaks.

They also expressed concern that personal devices have been connected to sensitive government networks, increasing the risk of cyberattacks and espionage.