OPM inspector general investigating DOGE emails, access to agency data
Share and Follow


The inspector general for the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) told lawmakers he is investigating the use of a new data system at the agency that has been part of a broader effort by Elon Musk and his allies to email federal workers.

The Friday letter from acting Inspector General Norbert Vint to Democratic members of the House Oversight Committee follows a request by the lawmakers to investigate efforts by Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access data systems at numerous agencies across government.

The OPM was one of the first agencies accessed by DOGE, where those connected to Musk tapped into OPM systems, created the hr@opm.gov email address, and began contacting federal workers ahead of the government buyout program. The same email has since been used to demand federal workers send a list of five accomplishments to recap their week.

“You requested that the OPM Office of the Inspector General (OIG) assess the security of government networks, determine whether OPM followed appropriate protocols, and provide responses to specific questions related to network security at OPM. The OPM OIG has reviewed your request and incorporated parts of your request into existing work,” Vint wrote.

“We have also just begun an engagement to assess risks associated with new and modified information systems at OPM.”

Vint noted that the inspector general’s office is already tasked with reviewing IT systems and must identify “developing risks.”

The OPM did not immediately respond to request for comment.

The agency is facing a lawsuit over the new data system.

The February letter from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee cited reporting from various outlets where OPM staffers relayed they had “no visibility” into what Musk’s team was doing with the data.

“We are deeply concerned that unauthorized system access could be occurring across the federal government and could pose a major threat to the personal privacy of all Americans and to the national security of our nation,” ranking member Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) wrote alongside other Democratic members of the committee.

The OPM did not previously have the capability to email every government employee, with such communications previously coming from agencies themselves. Musk’s emails demanding a recap of the work week have received pushback from some department leaders, including those that have said they do not need to respond. Musk had previously said nonresponse would be taken as a resignation.

The OPM has offered a conflicting picture whether response to the emails is voluntary.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
School bus driver responds to backlash for 'English-only' sign

School Bus Controversy: Driver’s ‘English-Only’ Sign Sparks Heated Debate

A bus driver from Pennsylvania, who lost her job over a controversial…
Video shows canal boat sinking after catastrophe in the night

Shocking Footage: Canal Boat Sinks Overnight in Dramatic Incident

A dramatic incident unfolded as a canal boat was engulfed by a…
Shooting at an Oklahoma State University residence hall wounds at least 3 people

ICE Agent Opens Fire in Self-Defense After Being Struck by SUV: Investigative Details Unfold

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — In Minnesota’s state capital, a dramatic incident…
CBS pulls '60 Minutes' episode about CECOT before premiere

CBS Withdraws ’60 Minutes’ Episode on CECOT Ahead of Scheduled Premiere

Just hours before its scheduled Sunday broadcast, there was an unexpected change…
'We're in history': Brothers become first in Raines Vikings history to win two state championships

Historic Victory: Raines Vikings Brothers Set Record with Dual State Championship Wins

Shamar and Shareef Jackson have etched their names into the annals of…
J.T. Miller set to miss multiple Rangers games with injury

J.T. Miller sidelined for several Rangers games due to injury

NASHVILLE — The Rangers are facing a temporary setback as their captain,…
'Troubling' colorectal cancer complication is highest in those under 50

Alarming Surge: Colorectal Cancer Complications Skyrocket in Under-50s

Disturbing news has emerged in the fight against colorectal cancer. This form…
Parkland school shooting survivor dies after mental health battle

Parkland School Shooting Survivor Tragically Passes Amid Struggle with Mental Health

A survivor of the tragic Parkland school shooting has succumbed to suicide…