Treasury grants Musk's DOGE direct access to federal payment infrastructure

EMElon Musk got access to the federal government's main payment system that handles $5 trillion annually - including your Social Security, tax refunds, and Medicare payments

A career Treasury official with 30+ years of experience was forced to retire after he refused to give Musk's team this access

Federal judges have now blocked Musk's team from the system after 19 states sued, saying it violates privacy laws protecting millions of Americans' personal data

Musk claimed on social media his team was 'shutting down payments' to federal contractors, including charities helping refugees

This system normally requires security clearances and is only accessed by career government officials - not private citizens or political appointees

Constitutional experts say letting a private billionaire control government spending violates the separation of powers between Congress and the president