Judge Blocks DOGE’s Access to Unionists’ Confidential Data

Judge blocks DOGE’s access :​ A federal judge prevented Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing confidential information of millions of union members in the Treasury and Education departments. Judge Deborah Boardman expanded a previous order, extending it to the Treasury, Education, and the Office of Personnel Management.

Privacy Violation at Stake

Boardman noted that unions are likely to prove that the government violated privacy laws by allowing DOGE-linked employees to access the records. The Trump administration is seeking to ease restrictions on access to this data in another federal court in New York.

Criticism of the Trump Administration

The judge argued that the government did not justify the need to access sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and banking data. She criticized the “shoot first, ask later” policy, granting DOGE mass access without assessing its necessity.

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Scope of Judicial Order

The decision does not completely block DOGE’s access but restricts access to the records of over two million union members and beneficiaries of federal programs.

White House Response

Harrison Fields, White House spokesperson, defended DOGE, claiming access is crucial to combat fraud and abuse in the system. He emphasized the importance of DOGE’s role in federal operations. Fields argued that restricting access could hinder efforts to address corruption. The spokesperson reaffirmed DOGE’s necessity in maintaining transparency and accountability.

Ongoing Legal Strategy

In New York, Judge Jeannette Vargas is considering lifting restrictions on Ryan Wunderly, a DOGE-linked official. The administration argues it met the necessary requirements, but state prosecutors maintain that gaps in oversight remain.

Future of the Case

Democratic prosecutors seek to uphold restrictions on Ryan Wunderly, a DOGE official, until he meets federal safety standards. The case, American Federation of Teachers v. Bessent, 25-cv-430, is in the Maryland District Court. The outcome will determine whether Wunderly meets required federal standards.