DOGE Gains Access to Federal Payroll System Amid Staff Concerns

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has controversially gained access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System, which handles sensitive payroll information for approximately 276,000 federal employees. This access was obtained despite objections from senior IT officials at the Department of the Interior, who raised concerns about potential cybersecurity risks and violations of the Privacy Act. The move has placed these officials on administrative leave, drawing criticism and sparking legal challenges from labor unions and nonprofits. Allegations have also emerged about DOGE employees, such as Marko Elez, who have previously been involved in data mishandling or controversial activities yet continue to gain access to sensitive information across various government agencies. This situation underscores a broader debate over the balance between government efficiency and security, with critics highlighting potential risks associated with such sweeping access to sensitive systems. The controversy continues as federal judges call for more scrutiny into DOGE's operations and its impact on government data security.