Lawmakers Seek Accountability for Elon Musk's Government Access, Contracts

Concerns are mounting over Elon Musk's access to sensitive government data through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), as U.S. Rep. Shontel Brown and Tennessee lawmakers question potential cybersecurity risks. Brown's letter to the Office of Personnel Management highlights issues with non-government employees accessing sensitive personnel records, which may expose federal workers to spam and hacking threats. Tennessee House Democratic Leader Karen Camper has also called for an investigation into whether Tennesseans' data has been compromised, citing Musk's controversial statements and potential risks to national security. In Congress, Rep. Mark Pocan has introduced the ELON MUSK Act to prevent special government employees from holding federal contracts, while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez advocates for transparency and scrutiny of Musk's defense contracts. These legislative efforts reflect a broader Democratic push to limit Musk's influence and protect government data. However, analysts suggest such measures might struggle to gain traction in a polarized Congress.