Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

GAO Investigates Musk's DOGE Over Sensitive Data Concerns

4/10/2025

35 5

Summary

Story summary

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is scrutinizing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) amid alarming reports of untrained staff handling sensitive government data. Launched in March, this investigation spans various federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration. A report due by late spring aims to uphold vital privacy laws and protect citizens' information.

History

Historical Context

The scrutiny of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) echoes past government efficiency initiatives, such as the Grace Commission in the 1980s and the National Partnership for Reinventing Government in the 1990s. These efforts aimed to streamline operations but often faced criticism for undermining staff and compromising data security, highlighting ongoing tensions between efficiency and privacy in government operations.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is scrutinizing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) amid alarming reports of untrained staff handling sensitive government data. Launched in March, this investigation spans various federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration. A report due by late spring aims to uphold vital privacy laws and protect citizens' information.

1 / 2