The Government Accountability Office’s audit examines DOGE’s handling of data at a number of federal agencies, according to sources and records reviewed by WIRED.
Summary
Congress’ Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been auditing Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) since March over concerns about unauthorized access to sensitive data across federal agencies.
DOGE operatives—many tied to Musk’s companies and lacking government experience—have infiltrated agencies like Labor, Treasury, and Social Security, raising alarms over privacy violations and system integrity.
GAO is examining DOGE’s access levels, policy compliance, and potential misuse of data.
Lawmakers call it a “constitutional emergency,” citing fears of data consolidation, inadequate oversight, and threats to public trust and cybersecurity in the Trump administration.