Murphy says tax records 'potentially compromised' by Musk
Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said Americans’ tax records could be “potentially compromised” by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Murphy joined CNN’s Jake Tapper on Monday, where he sounded the alarm about Musk’s growing influence over the federal government, and its payment systems in particular.
Musk allies working with DOGE were reportedly given access to the Treasury Department's federal payment system over the weekend, causing an uproar by Democrats.
Tapper asked Murphy if he has an issue with DOGE accessing the system Treasury Department officials use to disburse funds.
“Of course I do,” the Connecticut Democrat replied. “First of all, every American needs to know that your information, your personal tax records, have been potentially compromised, that unelected billionaires and his Silicon Valley right-wing friends may have access to all of your personal information.”
The Treasury Department systems control $6 trillion annually and distribute funds for Social Security, Medicare, salaries for federal workers, payments to government contractors, payments to grant recipients and tax refunds.
David Lebryk, a top nonpolitical career official at the Treasury Department, retired last week after clashing with Musk allies over access to the systems.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter Monday to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demanding to know what level of access Musk was given in the system.
Murphy disagreed with DOGE officials who say they were sorting through government spending to make sure it aligns with President Trump’s agenda.
“That is just fancy talk to say we’re going to give money to people who pledge loyalty to Donald Trump and we’re not going to give money to people who don’t pledge loyalty to Donald Trump,” Murphy said.
He added that DOGE officials may be going through government contracts, but with access to more, “tomorrow, it may be your tax refund.”
“So, I just think this is a super dangerous moment that doesn’t just impact government contractors, that now may impact ordinary Americans,” Murphy said. “I think you’re seeing this weekend and today, folks realizing the scope of this crisis.”
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.
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