The Treasury Inspector General has launched an investigation into the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) access to sensitive Treasury payments systems, following concerns raised by Senate Democrats about potential security risks and conflicts of interest. In a letter to Congress, Treasury Deputy Inspector General Loren Sciurba confirmed that the office opened an audit into the Bureau of Fiscal Service's payments systems on February 6th.

The investigation will focus on whether adequate controls were in place to grant access to the system and ensure that only legally sound payments are disbursed. The Bureau's system manages the flow of more than $5 trillion in payments for services like Social Security benefits and veterans' pay. The audit is expected to be completed in August, with interim updates promised if critical issues are discovered.

The move comes after reports that a DOGE staffer had been given access to the system with the ability to both read and write code, raising concerns about the potential for improper access or inadequate controls. Trump officials have denied that the staffer could alter the system, but Senate Democrats remain skeptical. Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) had requested the independent probes, citing concerns about DOGE's access to the Treasury systems and potential conflicts of interest for DOGE head Elon Musk's businesses.

The Treasury Department's earlier response to Warren's inquiry about the payments system access had raised "more questions than answers," prompting her and colleagues to turn to the independent watchdogs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has also confirmed that it will investigate and coordinate with the Inspector General's office.

The investigation is significant, given the sensitive nature of the payments systems and the potential risks associated with improper access. The move also highlights the importance of independent watchdogs in ensuring accountability and transparency within government agencies. The Treasury Department's Inspector General, Loren Sciurba, is a career civil servant who has been leading the office since the acting inspector general retired in December.

It's worth noting that President Donald Trump had previously sought to oust more than a dozen inspectors general from agencies, including the Treasury Department's IG, despite federal law requiring 30 days' notice to Congress to dismiss the Senate-confirmed investigators. However, Sciurba's status as a career civil servant meant that he could not be removed entirely, and he continues to lead the office.

The investigation into DOGE's access to Treasury payments systems is a critical step in ensuring the integrity of sensitive government systems and protecting against potential security risks. As the audit progresses, it will be important to monitor its findings and any recommendations for improving the security and accountability of these systems.