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TIGTA Investigates Trump and Musk’s DOGE Over Alleged Attempts to Access Private Taxpayer Data

TIGTA Investigates Trump and Musk’s DOGE Over Alleged Attempts to Access Private Taxpayer Data
TIGTA Investigates Trump and Musk’s DOGE Over Alleged Attempts to Access Private Taxpayer Data

The Treasury Department’s Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has launched an investigation into whether President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) improperly attempted to access private taxpayer information.

Internal documents reviewed by ProPublica reveal that TIGTA has requested information from the IRS regarding any data access requests made by Trump, the Executive Office of the President, DOGE, or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). This inquiry arises amid growing scrutiny over DOGE’s role in seeking data that is normally protected by strict privacy laws.

The investigation appears to be in its preliminary stages, with one document noting “preplanning” by TIGTA staff. However, a directive was issued for the IRS to submit specific documents by April 24.

TIGTA is demanding all communications regarding requests for protected taxpayer data, the intended use of such information, IRS responses, and the legal justifications for any disclosures. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration are also included in TIGTA’s scope for potential data access.

Fears of Data Misuse and Immigration Ties Drive Calls for Privacy Investigation

Concerns within the IRS about DOGE’s potential misuse of taxpayer data have reportedly prompted this oversight. IRS staffers expressed fears that Musk’s team may have accessed or shared data improperly. These concerns were echoed by several Democratic senators, who formally requested an investigation into whether the Trump administration violated federal privacy protections. The lawmakers highlighted that unauthorized access to IRS data could result in serious civil and criminal penalties.

TIGTA Investigates Trump and Musk’s DOGE Over Alleged Attempts to Access Private Taxpayer Data

TIGTA Investigates Trump and Musk’s DOGE Over Alleged Attempts to Access Private Taxpayer Data

There are broader implications tied to this investigation, particularly around immigration enforcement. Reports from CNN and Wired suggest DOGE is building a master database that merges information from multiple federal agencies. This database would ostensibly support the Trump administration’s large-scale deportation efforts. Additionally, senators raised concerns in March about an IRS agreement to help DHS track undocumented immigrants, a move they say may undermine taxpayer privacy laws.

IRS Shake-Up and Privacy Law Concerns Intensify TIGTA Probe into Data Sharing

The unfolding probe coincides with upheaval at both the IRS and Treasury. Acting IRS Commissioner Melanie Krause recently resigned following news of a data-sharing agreement with DHS. TIGTA’s investigation may evolve into a criminal probe if evidence of legal violations emerges, according to a former senior official. The inquiry is also politically sensitive, as past critics of Trump’s policies have faced retaliation, casting a shadow over those participating in the investigation.

Legal scholars warn that the Trump administration’s approach may violate the federal Privacy Act, which limits interagency data sharing without specific legal grounds. Danielle Citron of the University of Virginia highlighted the risks of broad data-sharing agreements that undermine legal safeguards. Meanwhile, TIGTA has asked for details on all non-IRS personnel affiliated with DOGE and any interagency agreements, underscoring the depth of the probe and the potential for systemic breaches of taxpayer privacy.

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