-(4)-1731951738-q80.webp){kind=small}
Democratic lawmakers have intensified their criticism of billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, who leads President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), accusing him of overstepping federal authority.
The backlash escalated during a demonstration outside the Social Security Administration’s headquarters in Baltimore, where Democrats rallied against Musk’s involvement in accessing government financial systems.
The protest came after a federal judge issued a temporary order blocking Musk and DOGE personnel from gaining access to the Treasury Department’s sensitive payment system. The system in question processes Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and salaries for federal employees.
“We have one simple message, which is: Elon Musk, keep your hands off of our Social Security,” said Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who led the press conference Monday. He warned that Musk’s actions posed a direct threat to the privacy and financial security of American citizens.
“They have accessed highly sensitive personal information on Americans at the Department of Treasury, including Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and other very sensitive information,” Van Hollen added. He accused Musk of “conducting illegal raids on federal agencies with his DOGE crew.”
Other lawmakers attending the event included Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Democratic Maryland Reps. Kweisi Mfume, Johnny Olszewski, and Sarah Elfreth.
Former Maryland Governor and Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley also spoke, reinforcing concerns about the potential misuse of federal resources under DOGE’s leadership.
While Trump has repeatedly pledged to reduce the size of the federal government, he has also vowed to protect Social Security.
However, reports that DOGE had gained access to the Treasury’s payment system sparked intense criticism, especially from Democrats who argue that Republicans have long targeted Social Security for cuts.
The Treasury Department responded to the controversy by stating that DOGE staff were only granted “read-only” access to the system and that a review was underway to assess the scope of their involvement. Following the judge’s intervention, Musk and his team were officially blocked from accessing the system.
Democratic lawmakers are seizing on the issue as part of a broader effort to counter Trump’s fiscal policies. They accuse the president of attempting to withhold congressionally approved funds and dismantle key government programs.
Musk’s role in the Trump administration has made him a lightning rod for Democratic opposition. As head of DOGE, Musk has positioned himself as a key player in the administration’s cost-cutting initiatives, pushing for drastic reductions in federal spending.
His efforts, however, have been met with resistance from government agencies and lawmakers who argue that his influence extends beyond lawful executive authority.
The dispute over DOGE’s access to Treasury systems reflects broader concerns about the administration’s transparency and accountability. Critics argue that Trump is using DOGE to exert direct control over financial systems that should remain independent of political interference.
“This is not about efficiency. This is about power,” said Rep. Kweisi Mfume. “The president is trying to put the purse strings of the government in the hands of his billionaire allies.”
Democrats are now pressing for increased oversight of DOGE’s operations and urging Congress to take immediate steps to prevent unauthorized access to government financial networks. Some lawmakers have called for hearings to investigate Musk’s role in reshaping federal financial systems and whether his actions violate existing laws.
The controversy also comes amid ongoing legal battles over Trump’s attempts to freeze certain federal aid programs. Recent court rulings have blocked several efforts by the administration to withhold funding that Congress has already approved, reinforcing concerns that Trump is bypassing legislative authority.
Despite legal setbacks, Trump and his allies continue to advocate for sweeping changes to government operations. Musk has defended DOGE’s actions, arguing that his department is working to eliminate inefficiencies and modernize outdated systems.
However, Democrats warn that such rhetoric masks an effort to centralize power within the executive branch, potentially undermining key government functions. “This is about making sure the government works for the people, not for a select group of billionaires,” said Rep. Sarah Elfreth.
As the legal battles and political clashes intensify, the dispute over DOGE’s access to Treasury data has become a focal point in the fight over government transparency and accountability. With the 2024 election looming, the controversy is expected to play a major role in shaping public perception of the administration’s fiscal policies.
For now, Democrats remain firm in their stance against Musk’s involvement in federal financial systems. They argue that the administration’s actions pose a fundamental risk to government integrity and could have long-term consequences for Social Security and other essential programs.
“This fight is just beginning,” said Van Hollen. “We will not allow Social Security to be manipulated for political gain. We will not allow this administration to put personal financial data at risk. And we will not back down.”
