Musk’s Access to Federal Payroll System Ignites Major Security Debate

Elon Musk’s DOGE has secured access to a critical federal payroll system, stirring controversy and raising significant security concerns.

Key Takeaways

Elon Musk’s DOGE gained access to a federal payroll system, processing salaries for approximately 276,000 federal employees.
Senior personnel highlighted cybersecurity risks and privacy breaches from the access given to DOGE employees.
Despite warnings, two DOGE employees were granted necessary system clearances.
The Interior Department stated the actions were in line with the President’s directive to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Gaining System Access

After two weeks of negotiations, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) attained permission to access the Federal Personnel and Payroll System. This system is crucial for processing the salaries of approximately 276,000 government employees, establishing a level of operational influence for DOGE within governmental processes.

The access attempt faced vigorous opposition. Senior personnel expressed concern over cybersecurity vulnerabilities and privacy risks. It appears that DOGE bypassed usual protocols that require specialized training for accessing such systems, casting doubt on the decision-making process behind this unprecedented move.

Risks and Objections

Senior IT staff explicitly warned about potential risks, including access to sensitive personal data like Social Security numbers. There was widespread fear of possible misuse of information or exposure to cybercrime. A memo specifically addressed the dangers of granting system access to untrained individuals and was intended for the Interior Secretary, Doug Burgum. However, Burgum did not sign the memo, which leaves questions about proper oversight and accountability.

“Such elevated access to critical high-value asset systems is rare with respect to individual systems and no single [Department of Interior] official presently has access to all HR, payroll and credentialing systems,” stated the memo reviewed by the New York Times.

Despite these concerns, at least two DOGE employees obtained access last weekend. This decision didn’t sit well with the agency’s IT branch, leading to administrative leave and investigations against officials who opposed DOGE’s new access. The controversy underscores a lack of unified governance within the government, raising questions about who should be accountable for such sensitive decisions.

Political and Administrative Context

The Interior Department, responsible for overseeing this integration, justified the move as part of President Trump’s broader initiative to revamp governmental efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Allegedly, DOGE’s actions align with the Executive Orders focusing on minimizing government expenditure and enhancing operational efficiency.

DOGE demanded full access to a US Department of the Interior system that handles even the Supreme Court's paychecks. When top staff asked questions, they were put on leave. https://t.co/9xGlPdlWPv

— WIRED (@WIRED) March 31, 2025

This bold policy direction, however, is not without its share of legal challenges. Several initiatives by DOGE to access other federal systems have been met with litigation. Concerns are especially pronounced regarding the need for formal training and certifications to protect against operational errors. With these developments, the saga of DOGE’s federal system access remains one to watch, indicating potential shifts in how government functions might be streamlined.