Democratic members of Colorado’s congressional delegation are expressing outrage over reports that Elon Musk, appointed by President Donald Trump to lead a new White House entity, has gained unauthorized access to critical government systems.
Lawmakers Decry Breach of Federal Systems
Colorado lawmakers reacted with alarm Monday following revelations that a team led by Musk had infiltrated sensitive financial and data systems across multiple federal agencies. Several members called the actions illegal and vowed to push back, though details on potential countermeasures remain sparse.
“My constituents are terrified and feel that this is an immense breach of privacy,” said U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Denver Democrat. “We cannot allow an unelected billionaire to access the most sensitive information, and I will not stand idly by while Trump does nothing to lower everyday costs for Denverites or the American people.”
Musk’s New Role and Alleged Overreach
Following his election in November, Trump appointed Musk, a longtime supporter and the world’s richest person, to head a newly created White House division, the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.
In the past few days, Musk’s deputies reportedly forced access, despite resistance from senior officials, to a Treasury Department system handling trillions in federal payments, including Social Security and Medicare. They also shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, which manages global aid programs. In addition, Musk’s team allegedly locked civil servants out of key Office of Personnel Management systems, potentially compromising the personal data of millions of federal employees.
Warnings of Dangerous Precedent
Democratic leaders in Colorado warn that Musk’s actions could set a chilling precedent for executive power.
“This is an unprecedented abuse of power by a dangerous, unelected, and unhinged person,” said U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, a Lakewood Democrat. “Americans shouldn’t have to worry that an unelected billionaire could stop payments to lifesaving programs all so he can further enrich himself and further his own self-interest at our expense.”
Concerns are mounting over the long-term implications of Musk’s moves, with lawmakers preparing to explore legal and legislative responses in the coming weeks.
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