Former Treasury Secretaries Warn Against DOGE Threat To Democracy

Five former Treasury Secretaries published a joint op-ed titled "Our Democracy Is Under Siege," expressing deep concerns over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, and its access to the federal payment system. They argue that DOGE's actions threaten data privacy, cybersecurity, and constitutional norms by introducing political control over federal payments, a role traditionally held by nonpartisan civil servants. The secretaries highlighted the risks associated with Musk's team, which lacks the necessary training to manage sensitive personal data, potentially exposing millions of Americans to security threats. A federal judge recently limited DOGE's access to sensitive Treasury data, yet the former secretaries contend that the underlying issues remain significant. Their letter reflects a growing alarm over potential financial conflicts of interest and the erosion of democratic norms. The op-ed was notably signed by only former Democratic Treasury Secretaries, indicating a partisan divide in the response to Musk's initiatives.