Democrats Confront Speaker Mike Johnson Over Elon Musk’s Access to Treasury Payment System
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Two Democratic lawmakers reportedly stormed into House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office on Wednesday, demanding answers about billionaire Elon Musk’s access to the Treasury Department’s sensitive payments system. According to Politico, Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) recounted how Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI) “forced her way” into Johnson’s office, prompting Chu to follow immediately behind her.
“And she was already confronting Speaker Johnson about Treasury Secretary [Scott] Bessent and the stealing of Americans’ private information—tax information that should never be stolen and given to this billionaire Elon Musk,” Chu told reporters.
The confrontation came as Democrats escalated their backlash against Musk’s reported influence over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The DOGE chair has allegedly gained control over the sensitive payment system that manages Social Security payments, tax returns, and other financial transactions owed to Americans.
Moore later clarified that Treasury Secretary Bessent was not present during their impromptu meeting with Johnson. However, Politico reported that Bessent had been in the Speaker’s office earlier that day for a meeting with House Ways and Means Committee Chair Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO).
Concerns over Musk’s role intensified after Treasury officials informed lawmakers Tuesday that Musk and his DOGE associates currently have “read-only” access to the system. Despite assurances that they cannot alter data, Democrats remain alarmed over potential security risks and breaches of privacy.
A witness described the confrontation in Johnson’s office as “aggressive and frankly unhinged behavior.” “The Speaker was more than gracious and allowed the members into his personal office to hear their concerns,” the unnamed source told Politico.
The episode underscores mounting tensions over Musk’s government involvement, particularly his reported access to financial systems affecting millions of Americans. While Republicans have defended Musk’s advisory role as an effort to streamline government efficiency, Democrats see it as a dangerous overreach by a billionaire with unchecked influence.
With scrutiny intensifying, calls for congressional oversight into DOGE and Musk’s role within the Treasury Department are growing. Whether this confrontation signals broader action against Musk’s involvement remains to be seen.
