DOGE Payroll Dispute: Officials on Leave

Top officials at the Department of the Interior (DOI) have been placed on administrative leave following a dispute over access to federal payroll systems by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The request would have given DOGE unprecedented control.

DOGE’s Demands Spark Controversy

DOGE sought “full” system access to the DOI’s payroll, human resources, and credentialing systems, including the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS), which manages pay for over 275,000 federal employees across numerous agencies, even those outside the Executive Branch.

Who is Involved?

The DOGE affiliates involved include Tyler Hassen, Stephanie Holmes, and Katrine Trampe. They sought permissions to create, pause, and delete email accounts – capabilities normally requiring multi-party authorization for security reasons.

Security Concerns Raised

Granting such extensive access would essentially give them “God-mode” over the entire system. Career officials flagged significant security risks. No single DOI employee possesses such broad permissions, raising concerns about potential data breaches or manipulation of federal employee payments.

One source cited fears that DOGE affiliates might insecurely share credentials, leading to a breach mirroring the Office of Personnel Management hack years ago.

Authority Questioned

Beyond security, officials questioned DOGE’s authority. While a Trump executive order grants DOGE access to unclassified systems, not all individuals involved are formally part of a DOGE team. Concerns arose regarding their ability to override established HR protocols or access data outside their purview.

DOI officials sought clarification on the legal basis for DOGE’s request and potential risks. However, DOGE representatives reportedly insisted on immediate access, citing the executive order and dismissing further debate.

Risk Assessment and Consequences

A subsequent risk assessment highlighted the dangers of granting root-level access. The assessment warned of potential manipulation of personnel and payroll actions and the increased risk of credential compromise. The decision to grant the access was deemed to require approval from Secretary Burgum.

Following the meeting, key DOI officials were placed on leave pending investigation for workplace behavior. Reports suggest DOGE was granted access to the FPPS shortly after, though the extent of their privileges remains unclear.

A DOI spokesperson defended the actions, citing the president’s directive to cut costs and improve government efficiency. However, internal sources express concern over the potential for system disruption or data breaches.

One source worried about the affiliates’ ability to handle the nearly 30-year-old FPPS system and stop paychecks, or allow for a breach of the entire system, and said “These people have no idea what they’re doing.”