Musk and His Aides Take Over the Treasury: An Unelected Billionaire’s Control of Federal Funding

Elon Musk, a billionaire with an unmatched influence over various sectors of the economy, has taken unprecedented steps to control federal financial systems. Through a combination of political maneuvering and the involvement of his close aides, Musk has positioned himself to exert significant control over government funding meant for working families.

Musk’s most recent move has raised alarms: he and his associates have effectively assumed control of the Treasury Department, an unelected figure dictating which social safety nets remain accessible and which may face significant cuts. His influence over federal spending has sparked fierce debate, especially after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a department Musk has reportedly gained control over, attempted earlier this week to freeze essential federal programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and other lifelines for working families.

In a rare intervention, the courts ruled in favor of the public, forcing the Trump administration to reverse its decision. This was seen as a temporary victory for those who rely on these programs for survival, but it’s unclear whether such relief will last.

Photo Courtesy of New York Times

Musk’s reach into the bureaucracy has not ended with DOGE’s attempts to freeze funding. His aides, now dubbed "lieutenants" by sources at The New York Times, have recently locked federal workers out of crucial systems within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This unprecedented move mirrors the controversial steps Musk took during his takeover of Twitter, where rapid, round-the-clock work schedules and unconventional workspaces (including beds installed for his aides) became a hallmark of his leadership style.

The situation reached a boiling point earlier this week when Treasury Secretary Bessent and Musk’s aides faced off. Reports indicate a tense standoff, with Musk's aides demanding full access to government systems. By Friday evening, Bessent reportedly relented, granting DOGE full access to the Treasury's computer systems—an unprecedented decision with potentially vast implications for the future of federal benefits and financial management.

According to US Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, “Sources tell my office that Treasury Secretary Bessent has granted DOGE full access to the system. Social Security and Medicare Benefits, grants, and payments to government contractors, including those that compete directly with Musk’s own companies—All of it.”

This revelation underscores the growing concerns over the consolidation of financial power in the hands of a single unelected individual. While Musk's businesses, such as SpaceX and Tesla, have enjoyed significant success, his increased involvement in government systems raises serious questions about the potential for conflicts of interest, particularly as his companies directly compete with government contractors.

Musk's aides’ increasing influence over federal programs is not just a political story; it’s a deeply personal one for millions of American families who rely on these programs to meet basic needs. The freezing of Medicaid and SNAP, even temporarily, could result in widespread hardship, and it’s unclear what future actions Musk’s team might take if they continue to hold sway over federal funding.

In the wake of these events, there is growing concern in Washington about the concentration of power in the hands of billionaires like Musk. Critics argue that the very essence of democracy—government for the people and by the people—could be at risk if a select few have the ability to control the fate of federal spending and programs that serve the most vulnerable.

As tensions continue to rise, Congress may have to step in to prevent the complete overhaul of government programs and ensure that public resources are not manipulated by individuals with significant private interests. For now, the situation remains fluid, and all eyes are on the Treasury, the Department of Government Efficiency, and the future of vital federal programs.

Written by RL Duran