Concerns Grow Over DOGE Affiliates’ System Access Requests
Background of the Situation
The efforts undertaken by affiliates of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to gain access to unclassified systems have raised significant concerns regarding their authority and the potential risks involved. An executive order issued by former President Donald Trump permits DOGE broad access to certain systems. However, sources indicate that not all individuals involved, particularly at the Department of the Interior (DOI), may have the necessary authority to execute these tasks.
Lack of Formal Authority
Among the key players, Holmes, who serves as the acting chief HR officer for DOI, is detailed from the U.S. Digital Service (USDS). However, her colleagues, Hassen and Trampe, are DOI employees with uncertain ties to a formal DOGE team. Without being members of a recognized group, their powers are limited to those of typical DOI personnel. Therefore, it is unclear if they can authorize significant changes, such as cutting off email access for employees outside their immediate scope of responsibility.
Request for System-Level Access
During a critical meeting on Thursday, various technical and legal staff at DOI engaged with DOGE representatives to ascertain the specifics of their access requests. The DOGE affiliates outlined their aim to secure system-level privileges that would enable them to create, pause, or terminate email accounts, citing the executive order as their basis for these actions. However, DOI officials sought further clarity on the legal implications and associated risks of such access.
Risk Assessment Outcomes
In response to the DOGE request, DOI’s technical and legal teams drafted a thorough risk assessment. They highlighted the dangers of granting full administrative access, suggesting it could lead to unauthorized personnel and payroll actions and increase the risk of credential compromises by hostile entities. Ultimately, they concluded that only the DOI Secretary, Burgum, could legitimately authorize this level of access.
Aftermath of the Meeting
Following the meeting, it has been reported that high-ranking officials at DOI were placed on leave amid an investigation into workplace conduct. On the subsequent day, access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS) was reportedly granted to DOGE, though sources remain uncertain regarding the extent of their privileges.
DOI’s Commitment to Efficiency
A spokesperson from DOI expressed that their efforts are in line with directives aimed at reducing costs and enhancing government efficiency for the public. “We are working to execute the President’s directive to cut costs and make the government more efficient for the American people and have taken actions to implement President Trump’s Executive Orders,” the spokesperson stated.
Community Concerns
Internal apprehensions persist among DOI employees regarding the competency of the DOGE affiliates in managing sensitive systems. One employee voiced worries that these individuals might unintentionally disrupt critical components of the decades-old FPPS, potentially halting payroll processes or risking a broader system breach.