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The Lawfare Podcast

Lawfare Daily: DOGE’s Attack on the Treasury Department

Feb 21, 2025
Wendy Edelberg and Jacob Leibenluft discuss a recent scandal involving the Bureau of the Fiscal Service in the Treasury Department. They delve into the alarming implications of political actors accessing sensitive financial systems, particularly under the influence of Elon Musk's DOGE initiative. The conversation highlights concerns about the integrity of federal payment processes and the potential risks to financial markets stemming from such meddling. They also underscore the importance of trust and accountability in government operations to protect vulnerable populations.
57:06

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Quick takeaways

  • The access granted to Elon Musk's DOGE initiative raises alarms about political appointees potentially undermining the integrity of the Treasury's financial systems.
  • Political interference in the Bureau of Fiscal Service could lead to unlawful withholding of appropriated funds, compromising congressional authority over financial resources.

Deep dives

Implications of Political Meddling in Treasury Systems

The access of Elon Musk's Doge team to sensitive payment systems within the Treasury Department has raised significant concerns regarding the integrity of the financial infrastructure. Specifically, the Bureau of Fiscal Service plays a crucial role in managing the nearly $6 trillion payment system, which ensures that appropriated funds get dispensed accurately. This shift in oversight, moving from career civil servants to political appointees, threatens to redefine established roles and responsibilities, undermining trust in a system designed to operate in accordance with congressional intent. The political interference could lead to decisions made based on political motivation rather than established procedures, posing risks to the financial stability expected by stakeholders.

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