SEC Pushes Back as Musk's DOGE Seeks Broad Access to Sensitive Data

Elon Musk’s newly created “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) is reportedly seeking extensive access to internal systems and data from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including employee emails, personnel records, contract details, and payment systems, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The push is being led by Eliezer Mishory, a former executive at prediction market platform Kalshi and an ex-official of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Mishory has taken a central role in the DOGE team assigned to oversee operations at the SEC. Bloomberg was the first to report the department’s sweeping request.

Internal Resistance at the SEC

According to the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, the request for comprehensive access to SEC systems has sparked significant pushback from top SEC officials.

The agency is currently led by Republican Mark Uyeda, who assumed the role of acting chairman in January and has since initiated several internal reforms.

The specific reasons for the resistance remain unclear, but concerns are reportedly centered around the sensitivity of the data involved, particularly email communications related to active or past investigations, confidential personnel matters, and contractual financial dealings.

A spokesperson for the SEC declined to comment on the matter, and representatives from DOGE did not respond to media inquiries as of Tuesday.

What Is Doge Trying to Access?

If granted, DOGE’s request would give its team unprecedented access to the SEC’s digital infrastructure, including:

  • Internal Email Communications: Potentially revealing discussions between staff and senior leadership, including investigative strategy and correspondence with external stakeholders.
  • Personnel Records: Including sensitive data such as employee evaluations, internal disciplinary actions, and hiring records.
  • Contractual and Financial Systems: Which could include vendor contracts, agency payments, and budget allocations.
  • Investigation Data: Communications and metadata linked to ongoing regulatory and enforcement probes.

Such access would allow DOGE staffers to review and audit a wide array of agency functions, in line with Musk’s broader mission to “root out inefficiencies and improve transparency” across federal agencies.

DOGE’s Expanding Reach in Washington

SEC Pushes Back as Musk's DOGE Seeks Broad Access to Sensitive Data

DOGE, launched earlier this year as part of Elon Musk’s partnership with the Trump administration to “modernize and optimize” government operations, has quickly expanded its footprint in Washington.

The department was granted official access to the SEC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters in March, a move that surprised many within the agency.

An internal memo circulated to SEC employees last month confirmed that DOGE personnel would be integrated into the agency’s systems—but noted that access would be “condition-based,” subject to internal protocols.

Mishory has already begun establishing a presence at the agency, which some insiders view as an aggressive and controversial move, particularly in a highly sensitive and politically charged environment like the SEC.

His background in regulatory technology and derivatives markets suggests he may be focusing on optimizing digital systems and reducing redundancy.

Broader Political Context

The effort comes amid rising political tensions surrounding regulatory oversight, government transparency, and the role of independent federal agencies.

Musk’s involvement in federal operations—especially through DOGE—has been viewed by some as a disruptive force aimed at reshaping the traditional bureaucratic model.

Critics of the move argue that granting DOGE such deep access could compromise the SEC’s independence and potentially politicize its enforcement capabilities.

Supporters, however, believe that increased oversight and modernization are long overdue at a time when many federal agencies struggle with outdated systems and bloated workflows.

What’s Next?

It remains unclear whether the SEC will ultimately grant the full level of access being requested by DOGE. Discussions are reportedly ongoing behind closed doors, with legal and ethical considerations playing a central role in the agency’s deliberations.

If approved, the move would mark a significant expansion of Musk’s influence in Washington—and could set a precedent for similar interventions at other agencies in the months ahead.

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