US Appeals Court Allows DOGE Access to Sensitive Federal Data

A U.S. appeals court ruled 2-1 to allow the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive personal data stored in federal agencies, including the Treasury Department, Department of Education, and Office of Personnel Management. The decision overturned a temporary injunction issued by a Maryland federal judge and was based in part on a recent Supreme Court ruling involving Social Security data. The court found that the unions and military veterans challenging DOGE's access had not demonstrated direct harm or legal standing, as the access was not deemed a "final agency action" suitable for litigation. DOGE, a government downsizing initiative launched by President Donald Trump and formerly led by Elon Musk, has been overseeing federal job and budget cuts and faced multiple lawsuits. A dissenting judge criticized the majority for setting too high a standard for the plaintiffs and argued that access should remain blocked while the legal case proceeds. Both the unions involved and the agencies have yet to comment on the ruling.