A representative from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been placed at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), raising concerns about access to sensitive veteran data and systems.
The VA confirmed that a single DOGE employee has been given access to contracting systems and information about VA operations and IT systems. According to VA Press Secretary Pete Kasperowicz, this employee will focus on identifying wasteful contracts and improving VA operations, without access to veterans' personal data.
This development comes after DOGE representatives and Musk recently gained access to Treasury Department systems containing Social Security numbers and payment information for most Americans, including military personnel and veterans.
Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed alarm about Musk's access to Treasury databases containing sensitive information like addresses, bank accounts, and disability benefits. "Veterans risked their lives to defend this country, and they deserve more than to have unaccountable billionaires playing with the benefits they earned," Blumenthal stated.
Privacy advocates have questioned the legality of allowing non-departmental personnel access to such sensitive information. Alan Butler, head of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, warned that even "read-only" access poses risks of data breaches and privacy violations.
The VA maintains its position that DOGE's involvement will be limited to improving efficiency. "VA looks forward to working with DOGE to improve services to veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors," Kasperowicz stated.
DOGE, created through a recent executive order, is reportedly staffed primarily by young professionals with connections to Musk's companies. The organization's stated mission is to prevent wasteful government spending, though critics argue the unprecedented access to federal systems raises serious privacy and security concerns.
As this situation develops, lawmakers continue to monitor DOGE's activities at the VA, particularly regarding access to veteran health records and benefits information.