Homeland Security Secretary Noem says DOGE team has access to agency data

The head of the Department of Homeland Security on Sunday acknowledged that Elon Musk’s government efficiency team, which has been tasked with slashing federal spending, has access to her agency’s data, including that of federal disaster aid recipients’ personal information, as part of an “audit” she welcomes.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Sunday acknowledged that Elon Musk’s government efficiency team, which has been tasked with slashing federal spending, has access to her agency’s data, including that of federal disaster aid recipients’ personal information, as part of an “audit” she welcomes. Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Noem said that President Donald Trump had “authorized” Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency team to gain access to DHS’ network, adding that she was “absolutely” comfortable with that. The Washington Post first reported that members of DOGE, who do not have security clearance, gained access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s network, which has the private information of Americans who received disaster relief grants. The Musk-led DOGE team has attempted accessing government data from other federal agencies as it tries to root out what it deems wasteful spending — efforts that have raised privacy concerns and prompted a flurry of lawsuits. “Well, we can’t trust our government anymore,” Noem told CNN’s Dana Bash in defending DOGE’s access to the data system. Reminded by Bash that she and her agency are part of the government, Noem replied, “Yes, that’s what I’m saying, is that the American people now are saying that we have had our personal information shared, and out there in the public.” “Elon Musk is part of the administration that is helping us identify where we can find savings and what we can do,” she said, insisting that DOGE is zeroed in on DHS grant programs and isn’t focused on Americans’ personal information.