In a growing controversy over government data access, a coalition of unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Treasury Department. The lawsuit seeks to block the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, from accessing sensitive Treasury Department data. The legal action follows reports that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent authorized DOGE’s access to data from the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which manages federal payments and collections.
Filed on February 5, the lawsuit alleges that the Treasury Department’s decision to provide DOGE with access to federal payment systems violated privacy laws protecting Americans’ personal information. The plaintiffs, which include the Alliance for Retired Americans, AFGE, and the Service Employees International Union, argue that DOGE’s involvement in monitoring or potentially restricting government spending poses a serious risk to individuals’ financial privacy.
The New York Times reported that this move allows DOGE, an agency created to reduce government spending and bureaucracy, to gain significant insight into federal payments, including Social Security checks and tax refunds. This has raised concerns about the potential misuse of sensitive data, as well as the agency’s ability to monitor and influence government spending without proper oversight.
The lawsuit’s plaintiffs argue for an “immediate stop” to these actions, accusing the Treasury Department of breaching laws designed to protect personal information in federal records. They argue that such access to sensitive financial data could be exploited by DOGE, which has become a controversial force within the federal government under Musk’s leadership.
This legal challenge follows a separate incident involving DOGE representatives who recently attempted to access classified materials at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Despite lacking proper security clearance, DOGE officials gained access to restricted information, prompting a security response and disciplinary actions at USAID.
With multiple incidents of potential overreach, the unions argue that the growing influence of Elon Musk’s DOGE over government operations needs to be closely scrutinized, raising questions about accountability and privacy in government data management.
The Treasury Department has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit, but the case underscores increasing concerns over the balance between government efficiency and safeguarding personal information.
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