The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now coined the Department of Greed and Evil, is under the leadership of individuals, some of whom have questionable pasts, raising alarms about the integrity of its operations. Concerns have been voiced regarding personnel with connections to Russian hackers, leading to serious doubts about DOGE’s reliability. The controversial appointment of Elon Musk as an advisor has only deepened scrutiny, particularly amid ongoing investigations into potential conflicts of interest involving his private endeavors.

While DOGE claims to combat fraud and waste, its methods reportedly teeter on the edge of legality, creating a profound sense of unease among security experts, policymakers, and advocacy groups.

Outrageous Salaries of DOGE Employees

Recent revelations highlight that certain DOGE employees are raking in six-figure salaries, with individuals like Kyle Schutt and Jeremy Lewin reportedly earning over $195,200 and $167,000 per year, respectively. This starkly contradicts earlier assertions from Elon Musk that positions within DOGE would come with ‘zero’ compensation.

Significant Data Breach Incidents

DOGE’s alarming security practices have already led to major data breaches across various federal agencies, starkly revealing the vulnerability of sensitive information entrusted to its care.

Breach at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

A whistleblower has disclosed that DOGE operatives allegedly infiltrated the NLRB’s case management system, NxGen, which houses critical labor dispute data. Disturbingly, DOGE employees purportedly disabled essential security measures—including multi-factor authentication and data tracking logs—to gain unrestricted access. Meanwhile, network traffic uncovered dubious outbound connections, with login attempts using DOGE credentials traced back to Russian IP addresses shortly after the breach. Former cybersecurity officials have described this breach as resembling a state-sponsored attack due to its scope and severity.

Disruptions at the Social Security Administration (SSA)

Alarming reports reveal that DOGE has initiated a rushed attempt to overhaul the SSA’s outdated database systems in mere weeks, a timeline substantially shorter than the planned multi-year overhaul. Critics argue that this hasty modernization threatens Social Security payments, leading to significant disruptions reported nationwide. Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized even graver risks, warning that data corruption during this process could erase citizens’ wage histories, ultimately jeopardizing their retirement benefits. Legal experts contend that DOGE’s plans infringe upon the Privacy Act by unlawfully centralizing personal data without proper consent.

Severity of the Breaches at the Treasury Department and OPM

At the Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), DOGE has been implicated in what many are calling “the most consequential data breach in U.S. history.” Court documents allege that DOGE accessed sensitive tax information, Social Security numbers, and personnel records, affecting millions of Americans. A lawsuit filed by the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) outlines these illegal data extraction efforts and warns of dire privacy violations and national security threats. The situation has further deteriorated with allegations that DOGE operatives have recklessly leaked confidential Treasury information online, intensifying public and institutional distrust.

The Impact of Breaches and the Severe Risks for Citizens

Threats to Social Security and Government Operations

Disruptions at agencies like the SSA have heightened anxiety over the prospect of missed Social Security payments—a critical lifeline for millions of Americans. Additionally, the potential loss of wage histories could devastate long-term financial stability. The merging of databases across the SSA, Treasury, and healthcare systems creates a fertile ground for cybercriminals, who could exploit these vulnerabilities.

Exposure of Sensitive Personal Data

The unlawful centralization of data presents a treasure trove for cybercriminals, as personal identifiers—such as Social Security numbers, addresses, and tax records—become prime targets for identity theft.

National Security Implications

The systemic flaws and mismanagement within DOGE pose grave risks beyond individual privacy. Weak data governance invites foreign adversaries to exploit compromised systems, evidenced by unauthorized log-ins detected at the NLRB. This jeopardizes not only financial security but the very foundation of our national security as well.

Legal and Political Repercussions

Escalating Legal Battles

The legal challenges facing DOGE are intensifying. A federal judge has issued a restraining order that prohibits DOGE from accessing SSA databases, while EPIC’s lawsuit demands the immediate destruction of improperly acquired Treasury and OPM data.

Congressional Scrutiny

Prominent members of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, including Rep. Gerald Connolly, have firmly condemned DOGE’s practices as chaotic and unlawful, compromising public trust in government operations. The call for greater transparency and adherence to privacy laws is louder than ever.

Whistleblower Insights Uncover Deep Failures

Whistleblowers have been instrumental in revealing a culture within DOGE that neglects systemic accountability. Allegations of mass firings orchestrated by DOGE officials at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) illustrate a shocking disregard for court orders. These disturbing accounts underscore an urgent need to protect whistleblowers and uphold institutional integrity. Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley echoes these concerns, highlighting the widespread harm inflicted by DOGE’s operational inefficiencies. Reports suggesting retaliation against employees who voice concerns only add to the chaos plaguing this emerging agency.

A Demand for Accountability

The troubling breaches and operational mismanagement within DOGE signal a strong demand for enhanced oversight, accountability, and reform. Safeguarding sensitive information transcends mere compliance; it is central to financial security, national safety, and the public trust.

The Crucial Role of the Office of Inspector General

Inspectors General serve a vital function in maintaining accountability across government agencies by conducting independent investigations into misconduct, auditing operations, and evaluating systemic issues. Bolstering their authority and resources is essential to identifying vulnerabilities, enhancing organizational integrity, and ensuring strict adherence to regulatory standards. Reinstating the Offices of Inspectors General that have been shut down or dismantled by the current administration is paramount for restoring oversight and accountability. These offices have proven their effectiveness as impartial watchdogs, ensuring transparency and rooting out inefficiencies or corruption in government operations. Their elimination severely weakens regulatory integrity and jeopardizes public resources. Re-establishing these offices is critical to reinforcing ethical governance and safeguarding national interests and public confidence.

Necessary Changes for Progress

1. Stricter Data Protection Policies

   It is imperative for federal systems to adopt modernized security frameworks that are regularly assessed by independent bodies empowered to enforce substantial reforms. Organizations like EPIC and Congress must continue advocating for meaningful change.

2. Ensuring Leadership Integrity

   Transparent hiring practices and unbiased leadership are essential prerequisites. Individuals with past connections to criminal networks or conflicting private interests should be disqualified from holding significant government positions.

3. Empowering Whistleblowers

   To foster a culture of accountability within government agencies, it is crucial to eliminate retaliation against whistleblowers and to promote transparency through robust legal protections and whistleblower hotlines.

4. Championing Citizen Data Sovereignty

   Stronger safeguards must be instituted over multi-agency data sharing to prevent recurring privacy violations. Moving forward, obtaining explicit written consent should be a non-negotiable requirement for the sharing of personal data.

By implementing these critical reforms, the government can restore public confidence in its ability to protect sensitive information from misuse or mishandling.