Senate Democrats are raising concerns over President Donald Trump’s decision to grant Elon Musk and his team access to sensitive data and classified information for their work in restructuring the federal government. In a letter addressed to Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, the lawmakers are seeking clarification on the security measures in place to prevent unauthorized leaks from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), where Musk has been appointed to lead the taskforce responsible for streamlining government agencies.

The senators highlighted the potential risks associated with Musk and his team having access to confidential medical and financial records of millions of Americans, federal payroll data, classified documents, information from foreign intelligence partners, and details of undercover agents and intelligence sources. They emphasized the importance of safeguarding national security and individual privacy, warning that mishandling such information could have severe consequences, including jeopardizing lives and undermining counterterrorism efforts.

Expressing concerns about the lack of transparency regarding DOGE’s operations, staff vetting procedures, and regulatory framework, the senators underscored the need for accountability and oversight in handling classified materials. The letter, signed by seven Democrats from the Intelligence Committee and independent Sen. Angus King, called for measures to mitigate the risk of data misuse by foreign intelligence agencies and ensure the protection of sensitive information.

While the White House has not responded to the senators’ inquiries, Musk defended his involvement in government initiatives, emphasizing the importance of his team’s efforts in improving governmental efficiency. The ongoing scrutiny reflects broader concerns about the security implications of granting private entities access to classified data and highlights the need for robust safeguards to prevent potential breaches and safeguard national interests.