Elon Musk’s DOGE group has been granted read‑only access to a child support database by the Department of Health and Human Services. The database, holding ‘sensitive income data’ on millions of U.S. workers, has sparked concerns among officials who warn the move may serve as a back-door to IRS records.
The so-called DOGE group, which Elon Musk heads, reportedly has access to sensitive income data held by the Department of Health and Human Services, as reported on Saturday.
In spite of the concerns voiced by long-term employees, Elon Musk—the wealthiest man in the world and a trusted advisor to President Trump—has reportedly gained access to “a sensitive child support database with troves of income data,” as reported by the Washington Post.
Almost all U.S. workers have their personal income data linked to the government database that was created to help enforce child support payments, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The database is overseen by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
According to the article, an official from the HHS verified that DOGE was granted access to the system. The person went on to claim that DOGE’s agents had requested “read-only access” and were required to undergo “to take all necessary trainings” before they could use the system.
This is consistent with DOGE’s previous efforts, as stated in the study.
In an effort to identify unnecessary or redundant payments, the Department of General Services (DOGE) has reportedly been attempting to reconcile previously distinct government databases by comparing individual tax records with those of recipients of federal benefits, grants, and student loans.
The career staff of the Internal Revenue Service have rejected DOGE’s request to access taxpayer records, which are protected by federal law. However, DOGE may be able to gain similar information through the child support database. Officials from DOGE have managed to secure permission to access that database, which is likewise protected by law.
Reporter Jeff Stein of The Washington Post’s top economics unit announced the scoop by saying, “The Department of Health and Human Services has granted Musk’s DOGE access to a sensitive child support database with troves of income data, including that of most U.S. workers.”
“Could be a backdoor to IRS data,” Stein continued.
Luis Gochoco is a seasoned managing editor and writer with over a decade of experience covering politics, technology, gaming, and entertainment news. With a keen eye for breaking stories and in-depth analysis, he has established himself as a trusted voice in digital journalism. Luis is one of the key forces behind the success of GameNGuide, contributing to 12 million views through engaging and high-traffic content. He also played a pivotal role in generating 8 million views on International Business Times, shaping the platform’s technology and gaming coverage.
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