The U.S. Treasury has agreed to allow Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access a payment system that distributes trillions of dollars in benefits, grants, and tax refunds to Americans each year, typically managed by career civil servants. Treasury Secretary Bessenet approved this initiative. The Treasury's payment system is one of the main financial arteries of the U.S. government, and any disruption in its operation could lead to far-reaching economic chaos. Former Treasury officials say it is unusual for politically appointed personnel to be involved in managing the payment network, as it includes a strict protocol to ensure the security and privacy of payment operations. It is not yet clear how DOGE representatives intend to use their access to the payment system. Sources say DOGE representatives will not have direct authority to stop individual payments or make other changes; their access is "read-only." Bessenet approved this arrangement on the condition that the activities of DOGE representatives must be documented and subject to oversight. The source said that DOGE representatives intend to review the overall efficiency of the payment system.
