Democratic lawmakers are seeking answers from Elon Musk regarding potential breaches of national security at his Department of Government Efficiency. The lawmakers, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Gerry Connolly, have expressed concerns about the sharing of sensitive information over insecure communication channels by DOGE staffers.
The lawmakers assert that the actions of Musk and the cost-cutting initiatives under the Trump administration pose a significant threat to national security. They believe that exposing secrets about America's defense and intelligence agencies could provide U.S. adversaries with critical information about defense priorities and resource allocations.
Staffers hired by Musk have reportedly gained access to various sensitive government databases containing private information about Americans, businesses, and government operations. This includes classified information, such as the number of employees working for intelligence agencies.
The lawmakers highlighted instances where DOGE staffers used unauthorized servers and unknown artificial intelligence programs to analyze and share sensitive data over unsecure channels. They warned that such actions could potentially allow foreign entities, criminal groups, or insider threats to access or misuse the information.
Concerns were also raised about the lack of understanding among DOGE employees regarding the sensitive information they have access to. The lawmakers criticized the handling of data by DOGE staffers, describing them as a clear threat to national security and the economy.
The Democrats have demanded information on DOGE staffing, security protocols, and the use of data since the department's inception earlier this year. Musk and Trump have defended DOGE's work, citing billions in savings. However, the White House and DOGE have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the lawmakers' concerns.
