Wyden Demands Answers on Musk-Linked Personnel Seeking Access to U.S. Treasury System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is pressing Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent for urgent clarification following reports that individuals tied to Elon Musk attempted to access a highly sensitive Treasury Department payment system. This system is responsible for handling trillions of dollars in federal payments, including Social Security, Medicare, tax credits, and government contractor disbursements—some of which involve direct competitors to Musk-owned businesses.
Wyden has raised alarms about the national security implications of such access, warning that interference could severely undermine the integrity of the financial infrastructure that millions of Americans rely on.
Threat to Critical Infrastructure
The Treasury’s payment system is considered a cornerstone of U.S. economic stability, ensuring that essential government funds reach recipients without disruption. Wyden’s letter highlights concerns that politically motivated interference—particularly in the wake of the recent federal grant and loan freeze—could be used to unlawfully withhold payments, manipulate financial flows, or even exert pressure on government programs.
“To put it bluntly, these payment systems simply cannot fail, and any politically motivated meddling in them risks severe damage to our country and the economy,” Wyden wrote.
National Security Risks & Ties to China
Wyden also underscored concerns about Musk’s extensive business ties with China, emphasizing that such connections could pose a significant cybersecurity threat. The senator pointed to past reports that Musk was denied high-level security clearance, raising further questions about his potential influence over sensitive government systems.
“The press has previously reported that Musk was denied a high-level clearance to access the government’s most sensitive secrets. I am concerned that Musk’s enormous business operation in China... endangers U.S. cybersecurity and creates conflicts of interest that make his access to these systems a national security risk,” Wyden stated.
Demand for Treasury Transparency
Wyden has formally requested answers from the Treasury Department regarding whether officials linked to Musk—or companies associated with him—have sought or been granted access to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service’s payment systems. His inquiry also demands transparency on any legal justifications for such access, as well as any vetting procedures conducted to assess conflicts of interest related to Musk’s foreign business dealings.
Given the Treasury system’s critical role in maintaining national financial security, Wyden is urging swift action to ensure its integrity remains intact against potential foreign or private-sector influence.
