Supreme Court Allows DOGE Temporary Data Access

The Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, has temporarily granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), created by Elon Musk and supported by the Trump administration, broad access to the Social Security Administration's sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, medical records, and financial information of millions of Americans. This decision overturns lower court orders, notably from Judge Ellen Hollander, that had restricted such access due to privacy concerns. The Trump administration argues this access is crucial to combat fraud and waste, while critics—including the three dissenting liberal justices—warn it endangers citizens' privacy and circumvents legal safeguards. The ruling also shields DOGE's internal operations from Freedom of Information Act requests. The Supreme Court's decision is temporary, as the case will now return to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals for further review. The controversy underscores the balance between government efficiency, executive authority, and individual privacy rights.