Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is under fire from Democratic lawmakers, who are demanding answers about the department’s access to highly sensitive government data. Concerns are mounting that DOGE’s handling of federal information could pose a serious national security threat, particularly if foreign adversaries like Russia or China gain access to classified intelligence.
Lawmakers Demand Security Answers from DOGE
On Thursday, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.), along with other Democratic lawmakers, sent a letter to Musk and the White House, demanding clarity on cybersecurity precautions and potential security breaches.
In the letter, they warned:
“DOGE employees do not appear to fully understand much of the information to which they have been given unfettered access. Given the cavalier and incompetent ways they have handled this data, these individuals represent a clear threat to national security and the nation’s economy.”
Their primary concern is that DOGE staffers, who have been given access to billions of data points on U.S. citizens, businesses, and federal programs, lack the expertise to handle such information securely. This data, if misused, could potentially reveal critical defense and intelligence operations.
How Could DOGE Endanger National Security?
Security experts worry that DOGE’s tech-driven approach could create vulnerabilities that foreign intelligence agencies could exploit. Some of the biggest concerns include:
1. Unsecured Access to Federal Data
- DOGE employees reportedly have unrestricted access to Treasury Department payments, government programs, and even intelligence operations.
- Federal laws typically limit access to classified information, but DOGE’s approach appears to bypass traditional security safeguards.
2. Poor Cybersecurity Measures
- Lawmakers cited unverified servers and AI programs being used to store and analyze sensitive government data.
- Cybersecurity expert Jeffrey Vagle warned that DOGE’s lack of clear security measures is a major red flag.
“If they store data on flash drives, access it on personal devices, or mix systems together, they could be creating huge security vulnerabilities.”
3. AI-Powered Intelligence Breaches
- Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, explained that foreign adversaries like China could use artificial intelligence to analyze leaked data and map out covert U.S. operations.
- This could expose intelligence agents, compromising national security and even putting lives at risk.
“These bits of information could unravel the very sources and methods our nation relies on to keep Americans safe. And it could literally get people killed.”
Musk and the White House Defend DOGE
Despite the backlash, Musk and the Trump administration have defended DOGE’s operations. They argue that the department’s efforts have saved billions of taxpayer dollars by uncovering waste and inefficiency.
White House Response
- Harrison Fields, principal deputy White House press secretary, dismissed concerns, stating that direct access to government databases is necessary to fix inefficiencies.
- He insisted that DOGE would continue exposing government fraud and waste:
“It takes direct access to the system to identify and fix it. DOGE will continue to shine a light on the fraud they uncover.”
Court Battles and Internal Resignations Shake DOGE
The concerns about DOGE’s security practices have led to legal challenges and internal turmoil.
1. Federal Court Rulings Against DOGE
- A Manhattan federal judge has temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing Treasury Department records until its staffers receive cybersecurity training.
- Another recent ruling restricted DOGE from accessing records at multiple federal agencies, citing security risks.
2. Internal Resignations Over DOGE’s Leadership
- Over 20 DOGE staffers resigned earlier this week, saying they refuse to dismantle critical public services.
- Their resignation letter accused Musk of hiring unqualified political ideologues instead of experienced professionals.
“Many of those brought in by Musk lack the necessary skills or experience for the job.”
Is DOGE Cutting Critical Programs Without Understanding Them?
Beyond security concerns, lawmakers fear that DOGE is recklessly slashing government programs without considering their importance.
- One alarming example was when DOGE laid off workers involved in nuclear weapons programs, only for the government to scramble to rehire them once their roles were deemed too vital to eliminate.
- Intelligence agencies like the CIA and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) have reportedly refused to comply with DOGE’s demands, signaling concerns within the intelligence community.
Experts Warn of Long-Term Risks
Some cybersecurity experts believe that DOGE’s fast-paced, tech-driven reforms could backfire.
- Zach Edwards, a senior threat researcher at Silent Push, compared DOGE’s approach to the infamous tech mantra:
“They’re moving fast and breaking things. But with government, if you break things, it can take a long time to fix it.”
