A federal judge is considering whether to temporarily prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Social Security Administration (SSA) data that affects millions of Americans.
A group of labor unions and retirees has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, requesting that the court issue an emergency order to limit DOGE’s access to SSA data.
They argue that DOGE’s “nearly unlimited” access violates privacy laws and poses significant security risks.
A former SSA official, who witnessed the DOGE team’s unexpected arrival at the agency, expressed concern about the possible disclosure of sensitive information.
The Trump administration claims that DOGE is working to reduce waste and fraud in the federal government.
During a Friday hearing in federal court in Baltimore, U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander repeatedly pressed government attorneys to explain why DOGE required access to such a large volume of personal information, including disability applicants’ health records.
She questioned whether a more targeted approach could combat fraud without jeopardizing so much sensitive information.
“This is like hitting a fly with a sledgehammer,” Hollander said, labeling DOGE’s actions “extremely worrisome and surprising.”
She stated that she could not understand why such broad access was necessary.
The Trump administration claimed that DOGE has a 10-person team at the SSA, with seven members having read-only access to sensitive data.
According to government lawyers, all of the team members have received privacy training and eight have passed background checks.
They contended that DOGE’s access is consistent with standard agency practices, in which employees and auditors regularly review database information.
The plaintiffs’ attorneys, on the other hand, disagreed, calling the situation “a sea change” in how SSA protects personal data.
Alethea Anne Swift of Democracy Forward, the legal group behind the lawsuit, stated that DOGE’s level of access is unprecedented.
Outside the courthouse, union workers and retirees rallied in support of the plaintiffs. Ronnie Bailey, a 75-year-old retired Maryland corrections officer and Vietnam veteran, stated, “We want Elon Musk and the DOGE group to get their hands off Social Security.” “Social security is not a waste.”
Agnes Watkins, a retired nurse, expressed concern that her private information had been accessed, saying, “It does not feel secure.”
Protesters held signs demanding the protection of Social Security benefits and chanted slogans such as “Down with DOGE.”
DOGE has also obtained data from other government agencies, such as the Treasury and IRS. DOGE staff at the SSA reportedly rushed to gain access to data systems shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
Tiffany Flick, former acting chief of staff to the acting commissioner, stated that the team appeared to be focused on uncovering fraud based on inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
“I am deeply concerned about DOGE’s access to SSA systems and the potential for inappropriate disclosure of information,” Flick stated, adding that the onboarding process felt rushed.
Judge Hollander, appointed by President Barack Obama, is the most recent judge to hear a DOGE-related case. DOGE has faced nearly two dozen lawsuits, with several judges expressing concern about the team’s extensive cost-cutting efforts.
However, courts have not consistently agreed that the risks are significant enough to justify denying DOGE access to government data.
