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Media reports Musk’s DOGE looking to access IRS taxpayer data
(MENAFN) Elon Musk’s Department of government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly seeking access to a highly secure Internal Revenue Service (IRS) system that contains personal tax records of millions of Americans, according to media outlets. This move, which was first reported by the Washington Post, is part of Musk’s ongoing effort to reform U.S. government agencies and reduce unnecessary state spending.
The IRS system holds sensitive financial information, including tax returns, Social Security numbers, banking details, and employment records. The Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) used by IRS employees allows them to access taxpayer data, issue notices, and update records. Gavin Kliger, a DOGE software engineer, is said to have visited IRS headquarters and is expected to serve as a senior adviser to the acting IRS commissioner, though his role and access to IRS data are still being finalized.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields emphasized that direct access to the IRS system is necessary to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse within the system. DOGE’s goal, he said, is to expose government fraud and keep taxpayers informed about how their money is spent. Musk has also previously accused federal workers of defrauding taxpayers, raising concerns about significant discrepancies between their salaries and personal wealth.
However, Musk's request has raised alarms among government officials and privacy advocates, who warn that granting him access to private taxpayer data could pose major risks. Meanwhile, the IRS is preparing to lay off thousands of probationary workers as part of broader workforce reductions under the Trump administration’s initiative to cut federal spending and streamline government operations. This includes measures such as a hiring freeze, employee buyouts, and collaboration with DOGE to identify inefficiencies.
The IRS system holds sensitive financial information, including tax returns, Social Security numbers, banking details, and employment records. The Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS) used by IRS employees allows them to access taxpayer data, issue notices, and update records. Gavin Kliger, a DOGE software engineer, is said to have visited IRS headquarters and is expected to serve as a senior adviser to the acting IRS commissioner, though his role and access to IRS data are still being finalized.
White House spokesperson Harrison Fields emphasized that direct access to the IRS system is necessary to uncover waste, fraud, and abuse within the system. DOGE’s goal, he said, is to expose government fraud and keep taxpayers informed about how their money is spent. Musk has also previously accused federal workers of defrauding taxpayers, raising concerns about significant discrepancies between their salaries and personal wealth.
However, Musk's request has raised alarms among government officials and privacy advocates, who warn that granting him access to private taxpayer data could pose major risks. Meanwhile, the IRS is preparing to lay off thousands of probationary workers as part of broader workforce reductions under the Trump administration’s initiative to cut federal spending and streamline government operations. This includes measures such as a hiring freeze, employee buyouts, and collaboration with DOGE to identify inefficiencies.
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