DOGE on collision course with IRS
The article discusses the recent request made by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) for access to the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Integrated Data Retrieval System, which holds personal tax details for millions of individuals. Despite the request, it was reported that DOGE has not yet been granted access. This inquiry has raised concerns among lawmakers and citizens regarding Elon Musk’s potential access to sensitive taxpayer data.
The request follows remarks made by musk alleging that federal employees are defrauding taxpayers, which he communicated during a press conference with former President Trump. Musk’s role in DOGE effectively places him in pursuit of government cost-cutting measures, which has led to scrutiny from Democrats who express worries about the implications of a private individual accessing public data.
Furthermore, Musk has previously demanded access to the Treasury Department’s payment system, further highlighting concerns over privacy and accountability.Amidst these developments, the GOP appears to support Musk’s initiatives, framing DOGE’s activities as a necessity for reducing government overspending.In contrast, Democrats have increased their criticisms and legislative efforts against Musk, hoping to spotlight issues surrounding his and Trump’s interactions during this governance period.
DOGE on collision course with IRS
The Department of Government Efficiency is requesting access to the Internal Revenue Service‘s Integrated Data Retrieval System, which contains personal tax information for millions of people.
IRS employees use the Integrated Data Retrieval System to review tax information, update taxpayer records, and issue notices. Sources told ABC News that DOGE has not been granted its request as of this weekend, but the inquiry itself has set off more alarm bells as lawmakers and citizens grow concerned over Elon Musk’s ability to access private data.
A DOGE staffer reportedly came to the IRS and asked for meetings with several offices regarding the agency’s ability to collect and manage data and what each business unit does within the IRS. It is unclear if the request to access the Integrated Data Retrieval System came from the staffer or the White House.
The request to access the IRS’s system comes after Musk alleged federal workers were defrauding taxpayers without providing evidence during a press conference with President Donald Trump last week. Musk, a billionaire who owns X and is the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has quickly become a staple in the federal government after Trump appointed him to lead DOGE and carry out its cost-cutting mission.
“We do find it rather odd that there are quite a few people in the bureaucracy who have ostensibly a salary of a few hundred thousand dollars but somehow managed to accrue tens of millions of dollars in net worth while they are in that position,” Musk said last week while in the Oval Office with Trump. “We’re just curious as to where it came from.”
Musk first caused a stir when DOGE demanded access to the Treasury Department’s payment system. Democrats used the situation to push strong messaging that an unelected billionaire is looking to access the private information of hardworking people.
Trump has said Musk could also “easily” access Social Security numbers, with sources telling Semafor that DOGE has set its sights on the Social Security Administration. The president has also asked the X mogul to target the Defense and Education departments, among other agencies.
Congressional Republicans have mostly fallen in line behind Trump and Musk, with several saying DOGE will play a significant role in cost-cutting as Musk continues to dismantle or review agencies and practices to slash excessive government spending.
Since the GOP trifecta took effect with Trump’s inauguration, Democrats have targeted Musk in press conferences and with new legislation. Several Democratic lawmakers have told the Washington Examiner that showing people what is happening with Trump and Musk behind the curtain will help put the Democratic Party back on top in 2026.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the IRS and Musk for comment.
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