Warren and Wyden prompt investigations into DOGE's federal payment system access

In Washington, D.C., U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden have prompted investigations by the Treasury Inspector General and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) into Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent's decision to allow employees of Elon Musk’s "Department of Government Efficiency" access to government payment systems.

The Treasury Inspector General stated, “We expect to begin our fieldwork immediately….we recognize the danger that improper access or inadequate controls can pose to the integrity of sensitive payment systems.” The GAO also acknowledged, “Thank you for your letter requesting that [GAO] review reports indicating that Treasury Secretary granted Department of Government Efficiency employees unprecedented access to the federal government's payment systems…GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority.”

These investigations come after allegations that the Treasury Department misled Congress and the public about who had access to these critical systems. These systems are responsible for distributing Social Security checks, tax refunds, Medicare benefits, and other government payments.

Last week, Senators Warren and Wyden requested an investigation into whether any laws or policies were violated regarding conflicts of interest or confidentiality at the Department. They also asked for a review of which specific systems were accessed and if individuals had appropriate clearances.

The American public deserves clarity on how their information is protected by Treasury operations amid concerns over potential risks posed by this access.