- DOGE team granted SEC access to streamline operations and data.
- SEC staff to cooperate with DOGE following ethics and security protocols.
- Lawmakers demand GAO review of SEC’s collaboration with DOGE team.
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has reportedly gained access to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Musk leads the team which is responsible for the implementation of the government cost-saving initiatives. The SEC revealed they would team up with DOGE but did not outline the exact scope or purpose of their collaboration.
SEC and DOGE Collaboration
The SEC staff received information that members of the DOGE team will receive staff privileges such as network system and data access. The liaison team will assist DOGE requests as well as ensure adherence to ethical standards and IT security measures. The SEC will evaluate data requests on a need-to-know basis before approval.
A team from DOGE received authorization through an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January. The order enables DOGE to pursue cost-reduction programs that aim to downsize various government entities. The past actions of DOGE, especially the proposed budget cuts for USAID and the CFPB have received widespread criticism.
Musk’s team has received widespread criticism because of its aggressive approach to restructure government agencies. Federal employees have expressed legal skepticism about the controversial dismissals of thousands of workers by DOGE. In March 2025, a federal judge ruled that most dismissed workers must be reinstated to their positions.
The collaboration between SEC and DOGE continues despite these concerns. More than 600 workers from the SEC decided to voluntarily leave their positions as the agency conducts major organizational changes. About 12% of SEC staff have departed from their positions.
Concerns over DOGE’s Influence on SEC
These changes have prompted the SEC to initiate measures to streamline its operations. Democratic senators have expressed concerns about the effects of reduced SEC workforce on investor protection. These senators have demanded the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review SEC activities influenced by DOGE.
Paul Atkins, President Trump’s nominee for the SEC chair, expressed his readiness to work with DOGE. Atkins expressed his readiness to collaborate with Musk’s team if confirmed as the SEC chair when he appeared before the Senate for his confirmation hearing. The Senate Banking Committee is reviewing his appointment as SEC chair.
The SEC budget is funded by transaction fees instead of taxpayer revenue but remains under public scrutiny. However, the influence of DOGE and its cost-saving measures on SEC continues to raise concerns.These changes at the SEC continue to evolve amid political and legal challenges.
The SEC might provide additional updates about its DOGE-related developments in the coming weeks. The partnership between DOGE and the SEC will determine the commission’s operations in the future although specific effects remain unclear.