Protesters Rally in Washington Against Elon Musk’s Alleged Government Influence

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Treasury Department on Tuesday, voicing strong opposition to tech mogul Elon Musk’s increasing influence over government operations. The protest followed reports that a Musk-affiliated department had gained access to sensitive government databases, sparking concerns over privacy and political favoritism.

The rally, attended by citizens and prominent Democratic lawmakers, featured fiery speeches condemning Musk’s alleged overreach. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized what he called a dangerous consolidation of power. “We cannot allow Elon Musk and a handful of elites to operate in secrecy, stripping away our privacy and financial security,” Schumer declared to the crowd.

Concerns escalated after revelations that the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had obtained read-only access to Social Security and Treasury payment system data. Critics argue this level of access opens the door to potential misuse.

Senator Chris Van Hollen went further, calling it “the most corrupt bargain in American history.” He accused Musk of leveraging his financial support for President Donald Trump’s re-election campaign to secure privileged access to government infrastructure. “Trump handed Musk the keys to our financial system,” Van Hollen stated. “Are we going to stand by while personal data is exploited?”

Protesters chanted slogans such as “Elon Musk has got to go!” while holding signs reading “No Trump, No Musk, No Fascist USA” and “Hands Off Private Data.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department attempted to downplay concerns, issuing a letter to Congress clarifying that Musk’s associates had only “read-only” access to certain coded data within the Fiscal Service’s payment systems. Treasury officials insisted the review was part of an ongoing government efficiency initiative.

In response, Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries introduced the “Stop the Steal” bill, aimed at preventing what they describe as “unlawful meddling” in Treasury operations. The legislation seeks to curb the influence of private individuals in government financial systems, highlighting fears of corporate control over public institutions.

The protest marks a significant escalation in tensions between Musk’s expanding influence in Washington and lawmakers determined to check his power. As investigations unfold, the controversy over Musk’s role in government affairs is likely to intensify in the coming weeks.