In an unprecedented development, Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has obtained unrestricted "God mode" access to sensitive government systems and data, according to multiple federal employees who spoke on condition of anonymity.
At USAID, DOGE now wields complete control over the agency's digital infrastructure, including systems containing classified information, financial records, and personal data of Americans working in conflict zones. Sources confirm DOGE can view and manipulate billions in federal funding allocations.
The scope of access extends beyond USAID. DOGE teams have already entered NASA's systems and are expected to gain entry to CDC and FAA networks in coming weeks. At NASA, this grants visibility into classified defense technologies and aerospace capabilities.
Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla engineer recently appointed to the Technology Transformation Services, has requested privileged access to 19 different federal IT systems. This level of control would allow viewing and modifying government data while managing system access for others.
"Once they're in, they're in," said a senior USAID employee, noting that DOGE could potentially copy and remove information from government servers undetected. The team can access human resources data, including Social Security numbers, addresses, performance reviews, and classified materials.
At the CDC, DOGE could soon gain entry to systems housing sensitive health data and even access to high-security labs containing dangerous pathogens. The agency's new One CDC Data Platform aggregates nationwide public health information, including lab tests and disease surveillance.
Federal workers express alarm at the unprecedented concentration of power in the hands of an unelected figure. Multiple sources worry the access could enable data theft, political retaliation, or private profiteering.
While lawsuits attempt to limit DOGE's reach, agency leaders have begun stepping down rather than comply with the group's demands. The situation continues evolving as DOGE expands its control across the federal government's digital infrastructure.
For many civil servants, the most concerning aspect is the permanent nature of this access - even after any leadership changes, DOGE may retain copies of sensitive government data indefinitely.