Federal Judge Denies Injunction Blocking DOGE Access to Sensitive Labor, Health Data

A federal judge, John D. Bates, ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) can continue accessing sensitive personal data, including medical, financial, and employment records, held by the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This decision denies a preliminary injunction sought by a coalition of labor unions and nonprofits, such as the AFL-CIO, who argued that DOGE's access could lead to retaliation against federal workers or inadvertent data leaks. Despite denying the injunction, Judge Bates expressed grave concerns about the privacy implications, emphasizing the sensitivity of the data and the seriousness of the potential risks. The judge noted that the unions had not provided sufficient evidence of imminent misuse or public disclosure to justify blocking access at this stage but affirmed the court's readiness to provide remedies if plaintiffs ultimately prevail. The case, part of ongoing litigation against the Trump-Vance administration's policies, highlights tensions over government overreach and data privacy protections. The plaintiffs remain committed to continuing the legal battle to hold the administration accountable for what they view as politically motivated and unauthorized access to private records.