Democrats Demand Meeting With Trump Official

On Wednesday, Senate Republicans raised concerns about the involvement of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in accessing a sensitive federal payment system. They called on Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to address questions regarding this issue, demanding a meeting with him “as soon as possible” to provide clarity and ensure transparency.

Led by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the Republicans expressed alarm over the potential for abuse stemming from DOGE’s connection to the system, which handles nearly 90 percent of federal payments. The senators viewed the recent involvement of DOGE-affiliated employees as a troubling “intrusion,” which raised questions about the purpose and motivations behind this access.

In a formal letter to Bessent, the senators pointed to the involvement of two DOGE-linked employees, which followed a highly publicized dispute within the Treasury Department. The clash ultimately led to the resignation of a senior Treasury official, heightening concerns over the integrity of the payment system. While the Treasury Department claimed that the employees were given “read-only” access, Republicans were not convinced this was sufficient to protect against potential misuse of sensitive information.

McConnell, alongside Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), criticized the department’s response as lacking both in detail and in accountability. They demanded a more thorough investigation into how DOGE-affiliated individuals gained access and what steps are being taken to safeguard the integrity of the payment system, which is crucial to the nation’s economic and national security.

Furthermore, they highlighted concerns about the potential for government overreach and secrecy, stressing the importance of public confidence in the operations of the Treasury Department. They called for immediate answers to ensure that the American people can trust that their privacy remains protected and that the government functions effectively.

Following recent lawsuits filed by unions, the Department of Justice intervened, limiting access to the system. According to a recent court order, only two individuals, Tom Krause of Cloud Software Group and Marko Elez, will maintain “read-only” access moving forward, ensuring greater oversight and transparency.