Elon Musk’s DOGE Targets SEC Amid Government Efficiency Push

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is reportedly zeroing in on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as the tech mogul continues his mission to streamline government operations and uncover waste across federal agencies.

According to a February 17 report by Politico, Musk’s DOGE is preparing to confront the SEC in the coming days, with one anonymous source stating that the group is “at the gates.” This move is part of Musk’s broader initiative to challenge inefficiencies and perceived corruption within various government institutions.

DOGE Expands Its Efforts

Musk’s DOGE has recently expanded its reach, adding more than 30 affiliate pages on X (formerly Twitter), including DOGE SEC. This new affiliate, launched on February 17, issued a public call for assistance in identifying and addressing waste, fraud, and abuse within the SEC. The account posted:

“DOGE is seeking help from the public! Please DM this account with insights on finding and fixing waste, fraud, and abuse relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission.”

This move reflects Musk’s ongoing crusade to cut governmental inefficiencies, which he has long criticized for costing taxpayers and hindering progress.

Musk’s History with the SEC

Musk’s relationship with the SEC has been contentious, particularly in recent years. He has faced several legal battles with the agency, including a lawsuit where the SEC accused Musk of underpaying Twitter stock investors by over $150 million. Musk has long been critical of the SEC, calling it a “totally broken organization.” He has publicly expressed frustration with the agency, claiming they focus on trivial matters while more serious crimes go unpunished.

Musk’s stance on government regulation has drawn both support and criticism, with some lawmakers expressing concern over his increasing influence on federal agencies. Democratic lawmakers, particularly Rep. Maxine Waters, have raised alarms about the potential risks of Musk having access to sensitive SEC data, specifically the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT)—a vast system used to track trading activity. Critics argue that Musk could use such access for personal gain or to exact revenge on the SEC.

Concerns Over Conflicts of Interest

Opponents of Musk’s initiatives, including Democratic lawmakers, are particularly worried about potential conflicts of interest. They point to Musk's personal stake in the broader crypto market, including his ongoing promotion of Dogecoin (DOGE), as a potential conflict if he were granted access to sensitive financial data.

However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt sought to downplay these concerns, noting that President Trump has committed to ensuring that no conflicts of interest will arise from Musk’s actions. Additionally, Musk has promised to recuse himself from any potential conflicts involving DOGE and the SEC.

Legal Developments and Expanding Access

The DOGE movement has seen some success in its efforts to gain access to sensitive government records. On February 17, a federal judge ruled that DOGE could access sensitive student loan records held by the Department of Education, a move seen as part of the broader push to identify inefficiencies in government agencies. DOGE is also reportedly seeking access to taxpayer data stored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

SEC Leadership Amidst the Scrutiny

The SEC is currently led by acting Chair Mark Uyeda, pending the confirmation of Paul Atkins as the permanent head. As the SEC faces mounting scrutiny from Musk’s DOGE and lawmakers alike, the regulatory agency’s leadership will be under increased pressure to address concerns about transparency and accountability.

Conclusion: Musk’s Continued Push for Reform

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency shows no signs of slowing down in its quest to overhaul the U.S. government. By targeting the SEC, Musk aims to expose inefficiencies within the agency and drive a larger conversation about government waste and accountability. Whether or not his approach will lead to meaningful reforms remains to be seen, but the growing influence of DOGE could significantly impact how federal agencies operate in the future.