Protesters gather outside the Department of Treasury on February 4 for the “We Choose to Fight: Nobody Elected Elon” MoveOn protest to oppose DOGE and tech billionaire Elon Musk. (Photo: Geoff Livingston)
A group of Democratic senators is demanding that VA Secretary Doug Collins take immediate action to block tech billionaire Elon Musk and his associates from accessing Veterans’ private data. In a strongly worded letter, the lawmakers called on the VA to ensure that Musk and his team at the Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, permanently delete any sensitive information they may have obtained without authorization.
The letter, led by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), warns that Musk and DOGE staffers have allegedly gained unauthorized access to VA computer systems and the U.S. Treasury payment system, raising serious concerns about privacy and national security. The Treasury system contains critical financial details on Veterans, including bank account numbers, disability benefits, and contact information.
“Our nation’s Veterans have entrusted their health records, including genetic samples, disability data, bank information, and other private information, to the VA,” the senators stated. “They deserve better than to have an unelected billionaire reviewing their medical records, targeting the benefits they have earned, or using their private information for personal gain.”
The VA currently manages medical and benefits information for more than 9 million Veterans and employs approximately 479,000 individuals. The letter comes amid growing controversy over DOGE, a Musk-led and -founded agency authorized by President Donald Trump for the purpose of streamlining government operations. While Musk and his team claim to be reducing inefficiencies, critics accuse DOGE of recklessness and potential misconduct. Several lawsuits have already been filed against the Trump administration for granting DOGE broad access to government databases, including sensitive personnel records from the Office of Personnel Management, OPM.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports surfaced last week that DOGE officials had been spotted at VA headquarters, raising fears that they were meddling with Veterans’ private information. Some federal employees have accused Musk’s team of installing private servers in government agencies without proper oversight. Union groups have also sued the Treasury Department for granting DOGE “full access” to federal financial systems, including data on millions of Veterans and their families.
Despite mounting criticism, the VA has denied that Veterans’ personal data is being improperly shared. In a statement, a VA spokesperson confirmed that one DOGE employee is working with the department but insisted that their role is limited to “identifying wasteful contracts, improving VA operations, and strengthening IT management.” The department stated that no unauthorized access to Veterans’ data has occurred.
Collins, who was confirmed as VA secretary just days ago, has vowed to focus on efficiency while ensuring that Veterans continue to receive quality care. However, Democratic lawmakers remain skeptical of DOGE’s role in government operations. Some, including House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs ranking member Mark Takano (D-Calif.), have warned VA employees against accepting severance packages offered by Musk’s team, comparing them to layoffs at Twitter after Musk’s takeover of the social media platform. Many of the packages offered to Twitter employees were later revoked. The deadline to accept severance packages has been extended while a federal court reviews the legality of the process and offer.
As concerns over data security escalate, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and other top lawmakers are pressing for immediate action to protect Veterans’ personal information. With lawsuits mounting and growing fears over DOGE’s authority, the battle over access to government data is far from over.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
