Social Security
What kind of sensitive information does DOGE have access to at the Social Security Administration?
DOGE has access to extensive personal data at the Social Security Administration, including Social Security numbers, bank account information for direct deposits, family relations and dependents. The SSA also houses the world's largest repository of medical information. This access is particularly concerning as it contains even more sensitive data than what's available at the IRS, with comprehensive records about millions of Americans' financial, personal, and medical histories that could be accessed by non-elected officials through DOGE's broad information requests.
Watch clip answer (01:14m)
MSNBC
00:00 - 01:15
What legal protections exist against the federal government if your personal data gets revealed?
There are laws that require the government to treat personal data with utmost care and privacy. If data leaks occur, individuals have legal recourse through civil suits and potentially criminal charges if information was released negligently or irresponsibly. While enforcement may vary, these laws establish protections for citizens whose personal information might be compromised. The legal framework is designed to safeguard privacy rights while still allowing legitimate fraud prevention efforts to continue, as has been the practice across both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Watch clip answer (01:27m)
MSNBC
09:12 - 10:39
What is Donald Trump identifying as a major government financial problem?
Donald Trump is identifying massive government fraud, waste, and abuse as a critical financial issue. According to his statement, investigators are uncovering billions of dollars in fraudulent spending, with projections suggesting this could amount to hundreds of billions of dollars in total losses. Trump emphasizes that while he often refers to this problem as 'waste and abuse,' the issue encompasses fraud alongside these other forms of financial mismanagement. This highlights his focus on government fiscal accountability and the need to address improper spending practices within federal programs.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)
MSNBC
00:02 - 00:13
How much government waste, fraud, and abuse has been identified by the General Accounting Office?
According to Ron Insana, the General Accounting Office has conducted multiple assessments revealing a staggering amount of government waste, fraud, and abuse. Their findings indicate between a quarter trillion to half a trillion dollars in misspent payments, Medicare overcharges, and similar issues. These improper expenditures represent significant misuse of taxpayer funds that should be identified and addressed. The financial analyst emphasizes that these problematic spending practices absolutely need to be 'ferreted out' to improve governmental accountability and financial management.
Watch clip answer (00:14m)MSNBC
01:28 - 01:43
How much money was involved in Social Security overpayments as of the end of 2023?
According to the Social Security Administration's report discussed by Stephanie Ruhle, there were $23 billion in overpayments still outstanding at the end of 2023. This substantial figure represents a significant issue of waste within the government system that requires attention. Ruhle explicitly identifies this as evidence of waste in government spending, highlighting concerns about fiscal accountability in social services. These overpayments contribute to broader problems of fraud and misallocation of taxpayer funds that demand improved oversight and more stringent management practices.
Watch clip answer (00:06m)MSNBC
00:49 - 00:55
What concern is being raised about Elon Musk's role in the Trump administration?
The concern highlighted is that Elon Musk is simultaneously maintaining his business interests while serving as part of the administration. This dual role raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and transparency. As noted by Stephanie Ruhle, Musk isn't concealing this arrangement, but it became a significant point of discussion when Donald Trump was questioned about it, suggesting it may be a controversial aspect of his administration's approach to business-government relations.
Watch clip answer (00:09m)
MSNBC
03:37 - 03:47