US States, Unions Seek to Block DOGE Access Social Security, Treasury Data

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by President Donald Trump to modernize government technology and tackle fraud, is currently barred by a federal judge from accessing Social Security Administration (SSA) records due to privacy concerns. Labor unions and advocacy groups successfully obtained a temporary injunction preventing DOGE personnel from accessing sensitive personal data, arguing that DOGE team members are unauthorized and often unvetted. The Trump administration has appealed to the Supreme Court, with the Department of Justice contending that lower courts have overstepped and that the restrictions impede a key presidential initiative. They argue that the courts are assuming roles beyond their jurisdiction by dictating personnel vetting and data access protocols. Meanwhile, states have also sought to maintain injunctions preventing DOGE from accessing Treasury Department data, citing concerns over previous hires and unchecked access. Opponents emphasize the importance of preserving the status quo to protect Americans' private information during ongoing litigation, while the government insists on the necessity of DOGE’s access to perform its duties.