Commentary by Rich Corbett

In a time when government spending often raises concerns about waste, fraud, abuse and inefficiency, Elon Musk and the DOGE team’s use of “read-only” access to Treasury data can be viewed as a proactive step toward enhancing accountability. The fundamental argument rests on the premise that taxpayers deserve transparency regarding how their funds are being used and managed. 

Those concerned about hearing “read-only” access and knowing computer “whiz kids” are even dipping their toes into Treasury computers containing that much personal data and information have reason to be concerned. If I were “dictator” and allowing this kind of access, it would only be copies of the data, on a system not actually used to process payments and to engineers who have security clearances.

Public funds are, by nature, meant for the benefit of all citizens. When government agencies operate with a level of secrecy that conceals mismanagement, external scrutiny becomes a necessary check. Musk’s team, leveraging AI assisted auditing resources and expertise, aim at shining a light on possible fiscal inefficiencies, and holding each government department or agency to a high standard of accountability. 

Actions of DOGE underscores the importance of reviewing public spending, particularly when traditional oversight channels, sorely missing in Congress, prove inadequate no matter which political party is in power.

Elon Musk and the DOGE team’s initiative to scrutinize runaway government spending, when viewed through the lens of public accountability, represents a necessary measure to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not squandered. By shining light on how public funds are being used, Americans clearly recognize Washington, D.C. needs more effective oversight than the business as-usual status quo.