In a recent interview on CNN’s State of the Union, a senior U.S. official made a surprising defense of Elon Musk’s access to Americans’ personal data.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was pressed by Dana Bash about Musk’s access to sensitive personal information stored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This came after a Washington Post report revealed that Musk and his DOGE team had been granted access to FEMA’s disaster data, which includes the personal details of thousands of disaster victims.
“We’re working with DOGE, under the President’s direction, to explore ways to improve the efficiency of our department,” Noem explained. “This initiative is essentially an audit of the federal government, which is very powerful and necessary. One of the things I’ve made clear to Senate and House appropriators is the need for authority to reprogram funds.”
However, Bash quickly pointed out, “But that’s different from him having access to personal data that is housed—”
Noem interrupted, saying, “The president has authorized him to have access.”
When Bash asked if Noem was comfortable with that, Noem responded, “Absolutely.”
It remains unclear which processes Noem was referring to, as Musk was not confirmed by the Senate, given DOGE’s informal status as a government entity.
Bash pressed further, “You’re totally comfortable with him?”
“I am today,” Noem replied, adding that Musk’s work was focused on identifying waste, fraud, and abuse within the system.
Then, Noem made a confusing argument in favor of Musk’s access.
“I remember a time when Republicans were very careful about, and concerned about, the government, particularly unelected people, having access to our personal data,” Bash noted.
“We can’t trust the government anymore,” Noem responded.
Bash swiftly pointed out, “You are the government.”
Noem replied, “Yes, exactly. What I’m saying is that the American people are now concerned about their personal information being shared and exposed—”
“But now Elon Musk has access to it,” Bash interjected.
“Yeah, but Elon Musk is part of the administration that is helping us find savings and improving efficiency,” Noem said. “He’s gone through the proper processes to ensure he has the authority to do so.”
