Elon Musk’s Government Efficiency Commission (Doge) Seeks Access to Sensitive IRS System
The Government Efficiency Commission (Doge), led by Elon Musk, is reportedly seeking access to an ultra-sensitive IRS system that contains detailed financial data on taxpayers and businesses, multiple media outlets reported Monday.
IRS Concerns
The Washington Post, citing three anonymous sources familiar with the matter, reported that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is concerned about Doge’s request. The agency is apprehensive about providing the commission with access to such sensitive information, particularly considering Doge’s track record of accessing sensitive personal data.
Doge’s Mission and Controversies
Doge was established by President Donald Trump upon taking office in late January. Its mission is to overhaul the U.S. government machinery to reduce public spending. Led by Musk, some of Doge’s initial initiatives have faced legal challenges, citing concerns over data privacy and security.
Access to IDRS
According to the Post, Doge has drafted an agreement that would allow a commission employee to work at the IRS for 120 days, with potential access to various IRS systems and databases, including the highly secure and restricted IDRS (Integrated Data Retrieval System). IDRS grants "instantaneous visual access to selected taxpayer records," according to an IRS document cited by Axios.
Trump Administration’s Defense
A Trump administration official quoted by the Post stated that Doge requires access to IDRS to "eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and improve government performance," assuring that it would be done "legally and with the proper security clearances."
White House Spokesperson’s Statement
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields, when asked by NBC, said that "direct access to the system is necessary to identify and fix" problems, adding that the "Doge will continue to expose waste as they find it, because the American people deserve to know where their hard-earned tax dollars are going."
IRS Layoffs
Doge’s request for access to these systems comes amidst reports of a potential downsizing of the IRS workforce. The Washington Post reported last Friday, citing six anonymous sources, that the Trump administration may terminate the contracts of nearly 9,000 probationary employees who specifically work on tax collection. The Post notes that Republicans have long criticized the IRS for being overstaffed, highlighting the workforce’s growth from approximately 90,000 to nearly 100,000 employees.
Legal Challenges and Data Privacy Concerns
Doge’s early operations have raised concerns about the fate of sensitive data under scrutiny. Dozens of junior IT specialists with limited experience in federal government operations have been sifting through federal agencies’ databases for potential cost-saving measures. In response, several former government officials have filed lawsuits, accusing Musk and Doge of illegally accessing confidential data on U.S. residents. A federal judge recently blocked Musk’s teams from accessing the Treasury Department’s trove of personal data on millions of Americans.
