Key Points:
- Former President Donald Trump tasked Elon Musk with auditing the Pentagon.
- Elon Musk’s DOGE has accessed sensitive government data related to legal challenges and a federal judge’s order to destroy Treasury records.
U.S. President Donald Trump has tasked billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk with leading an audit of the Pentagon and said that the initiative will uncover significant financial mismanagement.
Read more: US Treasury Transactions Need to Increase Transparency with Blockchain: Elon Musk
Trump Taps Elon Musk’s DOGE for Pentagon Audit Amid Fraud Claims
In a Super Bowl interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, Trump claimed that the review could reveal “hundreds of billions of dollars” in fraud and waste within the U.S. military.
The Department of Defense operates with an annual budget nearing $1 trillion, with Congress authorizing $895 billion in defence spending for the fiscal year ending September 30. While Trump has voiced confidence in Musk’s ability to streamline government operations, critics have raised concerns about the legality and implications of Musk’s expanding role within the administration.
Musk, officially designated as a special government employee, has been leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative aimed at reducing the federal workforce.
Elon Musk’s DOGE team has reportedly sought access to confidential government data, triggering alarm among legal experts and opposition lawmakers. Some argue that these efforts could compromise classified information and circumvent congressional oversight.
Controversy Grows Over Federal Agency Restructuring
In recent days, DOGE has made controversial moves, including attempts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), leading to mass layoffs. Additionally, Musk’s team has accessed the personal and financial data of millions of Americans through the U.S. Treasury.
On Saturday, a federal judge blocked Elon Musk’s DOGE from utilizing Treasury records, ordering the team to destroy any copies obtained. Meanwhile, DOGE personnel have been seen at various federal agencies, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
While some officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, support the initiative, opponents continue to challenge its legality in court. The Trump administration has yet to address inquiries regarding DOGE’s operations, funding, or staffing.
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