Trump’s DOGE Sparks Alarm Over Federal Payroll Access; Third-Term Remarks Draw Backlash

A controversial move by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has raised serious cybersecurity concerns after gaining access to a federal payroll system handling salaries for 276,000 government employees—despite warnings from senior officials. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s offhand remarks about a potential third term have ignited a fresh political firestorm.

DOGE’s High-Risk Access to Federal Payroll

According to a New York Times report, DOGE employees were granted administrative access to the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS) over the weekend, allowing them to view sensitive data—including Social Security numbers—and making it easier to hire and fire federal workers.

Why This Is Controversial:

• Interior Department officials had issued a memo warning that such access is extremely rare and poses major cybersecurity risks.
• The memo stated that no single DOI official has full access to HR, payroll, and credentialing systems—making DOGE’s request highly unusual.
• Experts fear this access could make DOGE employees targets for hackers, foreign governments, or terrorists.

Despite these warnings, two DOGE employees were granted access on Saturday—after Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declined to sign off on the risks.

Retaliation Against Dissent?

• Two IT officials who resisted DOGE’s request were reportedly placed on administrative leave and investigated for “workplace behavior.”
• The move has sparked concerns about political pressure overriding security protocols.

Trump’s Third-Term Comments Fuel Controversy

In a separate development, Trump’s vague suggestion about a third term has drawn sharp criticism. While the U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms, Trump’s remarks have reignited debates about his long-term political ambitions.

Reaction:

• Legal experts and political opponents dismissed the idea as unconstitutional.
• Supporters argue Trump was likely joking or referring to policy influence beyond 2028.

What’s Next?

• Cybersecurity Fallout: Will DOGE’s access be revoked, or will Trump’s administration double down on efficiency over security?
• Political Backlash: Will Trump’s third-term comments hurt his reelection campaign, or will they rally his base?

One thing is clear: Between DOGE’s aggressive reforms and Trump’s polarizing rhetoric, the political landscape remains as volatile as ever.

{Source The Guardian}

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