David Lebryk, the Treasury Department’s highest-ranking career official, resigned after disputes with Elon Musk, who leads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump. Musk sought access to the federal payment system, which handles over $6 trillion annually, to identify wasteful spending.
Lebryk resisted, citing security and oversight concerns. Following his resignation, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent granted DOGE the requested access. Musk claimed the system had weak controls, alleging payments to fraudulent entities without providing evidence.
Critics, including Senator Ron Wyden, warned of potential political interference and economic risks. The incident highlights tensions between the administration’s efficiency efforts and traditional federal operations.
