U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns over the potential access of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to sensitive data held by the Commerce Department. In a letter addressed to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Warren highlighted the risks associated with granting DOGE access to confidential information on Musk’s business competitors and partners.
Senator Warren, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, emphasized that such access could undermine public trust in the department's ability to protect business confidential information. She warned that it might provide Musk’s businesses with unfair advantages.
"Under the guise of cost-cutting and uncovering fraud, Elon Musk and his DOGE associates have moved across the federal government," Warren stated. She noted their efforts to gain access to critical databases and IT systems while exfiltrating sensitive data for AI programs.
The letter also referenced Musk's ongoing business activities while serving as a Special Government Employee. These include attempts to acquire OpenAI, entering into a deal with Visa for mobile payments, and influencing regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration.
Warren expressed concern about national security implications if DOGE were granted access to sensitive information. She cited threats from China and other adversaries seeking U.S. economic data as potential risks.
"Mr. Musk, of course, is not the only one interested in the Commerce Department’s database," Warren wrote. She mentioned reports of young engineers bypassing security protocols to upload classified information without adequate cybersecurity measures.
Senator Warren called for transparency regarding Musk’s involvement with the Commerce Department. She requested clarification on compliance with conflict-of-interest rules and sought assurances that safeguards are in place to prevent interference with operations due to personal financial interests. The senator has requested written responses from the department by February 28, 2025.