Musk Alleges $50 Billion Treasury Fraud Amid DOGE Data Access Block

Elon Musk has alleged substantial fraud in government entitlement payments following a federal judge's order that temporarily blocks the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department data. Musk claims that this data, which includes financial information of Americans, could expose up to $50 billion in fraudulent payments annually, a figure he describes as 'utterly insane'. The judge's decision comes amid a lawsuit by 19 state attorneys general against the Trump administration, asserting that DOGE's access violates laws protecting sensitive information. In response, Musk has criticized previous Treasury officials for ignoring wasteful spending and announced that DOGE, alongside the Treasury Department, has agreed to implement new anti-fraud measures. These measures include requiring all government payments to have categorization codes and rationales, aiming to improve transparency and accountability. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for February 20, 2024.