More like after the horse has bolted, got rustled, butchered, and turned into glue. There's no way Elon's team didn't compromise the whole network with their meddling.
Sure, but in this case the door was locked and the horse illegally kicked it in. Reaction as opposed to pre-emptive action, was really the only option.
There is no precedent for this, sadly your constitution is not protected from coups.
My thoughts, too. Now that DOGE has the data, that is of no consequence. Unless, there is something that is forcing DOGE to turn over the data and prove that copies do not exist and/or slapping them with highly punitive fines.
Ex: You break into my home, steal, cause damage. That is against the law. I cannot bring criminal charges, but the state can. I can sue you for the financial harm you caused me to try to be made whole ($). If you do this repeatedly, I can also ask a judge to restrain you from continuing to do so.
I'm not arguing that a crime or crimes haven't been committed, but the Alliance for Retired Americans cannot bring criminal charges against Bessent, Musk, or anyone else. This is about controlling behavior and civil liability, not about criminal law, guilt, and sentencing. Two different systems.
If it later turns out that Musk copied the data, lawyers can file a class action lawsuit for direct and punitive damages that a presidential pardon cannot get him out of.
It *does* matter. The treasury not only has your banking information, if you got your tax return electronically it has your authorization to take money directly out of your bank account. Elon's copy of the data does not have that authorization.
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There is no precedent for this, sadly your constitution is not protected from coups.
But otherwise - you are 100% correct. If anything, all of that amounts to giving US citizens a false sense of security.