Judge Blocks DOGE Access to Social Security Data, Orders Deletion of Personal Records

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Social Security Administration (SSA) records, citing privacy concerns for millions of Americans. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander criticized DOGE's actions as a 'fishing expedition' lacking substantial justification, as the team sought to investigate fraud claims. The ruling followed a lawsuit from labor unions and advocacy groups who argued that DOGE's access posed serious information security risks and violated privacy laws. The judge ordered DOGE to delete any personally identifiable data they may have obtained. While the Trump administration defended DOGE’s actions as necessary to combat waste and fraud, the ruling was hailed as a victory for privacy advocates. The White House has not yet commented on the decision.