DOGE's Data Debacle: Judge Slams Down Musk Team's Access to Social Security Records

A federal judge has dealt a significant blow to Elon Musk’s DOGE team by temporarily barring its employees from accessing sensitive Social Security Administration data. In a 137-page ruling issued Thursday by Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander in the District of Maryland, the court ordered that all personally identifiable information obtained by the DOGE team be deleted and that no new software be installed on SSA systems on their behalf.

A Fishing Expedition Gone Too Far

According to the ruling, about a dozen tech engineers aligned with Musk’s initiative had been given “unbridled access” to vast amounts of sensitive taxpayer data—including Social Security numbers, medical and mental health records, financial information, and more—in a move described as a “fishing expedition” in search of a fraud epidemic. The judge sharply criticized the DOGE team, noting that they never provided any compelling reason for needing such extensive access.

A Temporary Restraining Order

The judge’s order, effective for two weeks, prohibits SSA officials from sharing non-anonymized data with the DOGE team. It also mandates that any sensitive data already in their possession must be deleted immediately. Additionally, the order stops DOGE employees from installing or using any software on SSA systems that could further compromise the data.

Privacy vs. Public Safety

While the order does allow access to anonymized data under strict conditions, it underscores a crucial point: the privacy of millions of Americans is at risk when personal data is mishandled. Critics, including labor unions and advocacy groups like Democracy Forward and AFSCME, argue that DOGE’s reckless actions expose individuals to potential harm. “This order will not only force DOGE to delete any data they have saved but will block them from further exposing our Social Security information,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward.

A Legal Setback in the Trump Administration Overhaul

The ruling marks another legal setback for the Trump administration as it pushes to shrink the federal workforce and restructure government agencies through initiatives like DOGE. With tensions high over government data security and privacy, this decision could have far-reaching implications for how federal agencies manage and share sensitive information.

Stay tuned as we follow this unfolding story, where the clash between cutting-edge tech ambitions and the imperative of protecting citizen data takes center stage.