Following a court victory, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gains significant access to federal financial data, including IRS operations. Gavin Kliger, a DOGE software engineer, is set to advise the IRS commissioner, sparking concerns about political influence over sensitive taxpayer information. Democrats, including Senators Wyden and Warren, call for transparency, fearing potential misuse.
While critics cite the unprecedented access, supporters point to past taxpayer data breaches, including leaks impacting Musk himself. President Trump, who appointed Musk, backs DOGE’s mission to overhaul government spending, targeting “waste, fraud, and abuse.”
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied a request by Democratic state attorneys general to restrict DOGE’s access. While acknowledging concerns about unchecked authority, she required “clear evidence of imminent, irreparable harm” for restrictions. Chutkan also questioned government legal arguments.
With DOGE rapidly placing personnel in agencies, the legal battles continue, as the scope of Musk’s power and its implications for federal oversight remain fiercely debated.
