YEREVAN (CoinChapter.com) — Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) now has access to the U.S. Treasury’s federal payment system, which processes $6 trillion annually in Social Security, government salaries, and federal transactions. The approval came from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent after senior official David Lebryk resigned in protest.
Critics argue that this decision lacked transparency and bypassed congressional oversight. Reports suggest that Treasury officials may have downplayed DOGE’s role, leading to growing concerns among lawmakers. Bloomberg and The New York Times reported that the extent of DOGE’s financial access was not fully disclosed to Congress.
Musk defended DOGE’s actions, stating that it is focused on eliminating government fraud and waste. He posted on X, saying,
“Having world war level of national debt without fighting a world war is catastrophic.”
He also noted that DOGE is tracing government spending and financial misconduct.
Judge Blocks DOGE from Treasury Data, Legal Battle Intensifies
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), preventing access to Treasury data amid a legal battle involving 20 states. Led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, the lawsuit claims DOGE’s investigative authority violates federal oversight laws and threatens financial privacy. The judge’s order also demands the destruction of any data DOGE has already obtained, pending a final ruling. Supporters argue DOGE enhances government transparency, while critics warn it bypasses congressional approval and jeopardizes sensitive records.
The case is set for a Feb. 14 court hearing, where the judge will decide whether DOGE retains its authority. Trump and Musk have condemned the ruling, with Trump calling it “crazy”, while Democrats push to block DOGE’s review of the federal payment system. The decision could set a legal precedent on executive oversight of financial audits, influencing future government accountability measures. Both sides are preparing for lengthy appeals, signaling an extended court battle.
DOGE Investigates $9 Million in Government Payments to Reuters
DOGE’s first findings claim that Reuters received $9 million from the Department of Defense to conduct research on “large-scale social deception.”
The disclosure gained attention when Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, stating:
“DOGE: Looks like Radical Left Reuters was paid $9,000,000 by the Department of Defense… GIVE BACK THE MONEY, NOW!”
In addition, Musk later claimed that Reuters received additional undisclosed payments from the government through intermediaries. He posted on X, stating that DOGE’s investigation found “far more money” flowing to Reuters from federal sources.
