A DBUNK subscriber submitted this fact check request, concerned about potential political bias and the accuracy of claims relating to Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) allegedly gaining improper access to federal payment systems. Anyone can submit fact check requests for free, and we’ll investigate and publish the results.

The original article, published by the Associated Press, claims that 13 Democratic attorneys general are suing to block DOGE from accessing sensitive federal payment data. The lawsuit cites concerns over privacy violations and potential disruptions to government aid programs such as Social Security and Medicare. But is there actual evidence that DOGE is unlawfully seizing data, or is this a political battle fueled by Musk’s reputation?

What’s True?

The legal challenge by 13 state attorneys general is real. They have expressed concerns that DOGE is exceeding its authority in accessing the Treasury Department’s payment systems. A federal judge has also ruled that two Musk-aligned individuals will have “read-only” access to certain payment systems but has halted broader access.

What’s Misleading or Missing Context?

The article strongly implies that DOGE has already seized federal payment data for the purpose of blocking funds, stating: “DOGE has no authority to access this information, which they explicitly sought in order to block critical payments that millions of Americans rely on.” However, no official documentation or public statement has confirmed that DOGE intends to halt payments entirely. The Department of the Treasury and the White House have not verified these allegations.

Another misleading claim is the portrayal of Elon Musk himself as having direct access to government systems. The article states: “Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no’… and he cannot cut federal payments.” There is no legally confirmed evidence that Musk personally has access to these systems or that he is individually making decisions about payments.

Further, the article describes DOGE’s actions as a “hostile seizure of taxpayer data,” suggesting an illegal takeover. However, the Treasury Department granted DOGE limited access, which has been restricted by a court order. The language used in the article adds an element of sensationalism rather than objective fact.

Does This Lawsuit Protect Americans’ Data, Or Is It Political Backlash?

It’s reasonable to question whether this lawsuit is driven entirely by data privacy concerns or if there is an element of political opposition given Musk’s polarizing role in government affairs. The legal concerns raised are valid, but the framing of the article leans into portraying Musk’s involvement as inherently dangerous, without fully addressing the transparency measures in place regarding DOGE’s oversight.

While DOGE’s access to Treasury payment data is controversial, the narrative presented makes it appear as though Musk’s personal interference is the problem, despite there being no public evidence confirming his direct involvement in accessing the systems.

Conclusion: Some Valid Concerns, But Overstated Claims

The lawsuit is a legitimate legal challenge, and concerns about government transparency should always be taken seriously. However, the claims about a “hostile seizure” of sensitive data and Musk’s direct involvement in halting payments are overstated. The framing in the article fuels anxieties without clear evidence that DOGE truly intends to defund critical programs.

For a clearer understanding of this issue, read the original article here: Associated Press Article.

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