The Treasury Department said Elon Musk aides detailed to the agency have “read-only” access to its sensitive $5 trillion US payments system and that no payments have been suspended or rejected as part of an ongoing review.

Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern that access to the system could allow DOGE, which disburses nearly 90% of all federal payments, to restrict disbursement of federal funds.

Musk has moved with lightning speed to try to remake the federal government. Many Democrats and even some Republicans say his efforts are unlawful.

Will they now look at private health records of veterans?” asked Sen. Patty Murray, who said she heard Musk’s team was visiting the department.

Of the many changes President Donald Trump has introduced since returning to the Oval Office, few have brought as much intrigue as the Department of Government Efficiency. DOGE was conceived by Trump and his billionaire benefactor,

President Trump made Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency, a 'special government employee' at the White House. Here's what that means.

The confirmation of a Musk associate's access to the system codes came in a letter from a Treasury official to Democratic Senator Ron Wyden that said the review was being undertaken to "maximize payment integrity for agencies and the public".