Judge Blocks DOGE's Data Access Amid Privacy Concerns

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman issued a preliminary injunction blocking Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing private data at the Education, Treasury, and Personnel Management departments. The lawsuit, filed by a coalition of labor unions led by the American Federation of Teachers, claims the Trump administration violated federal privacy laws by allowing DOGE access to personal information without consent. Boardman, who was nominated by President Biden, emphasized that the administration failed to justify the need for millions of records, thus breaching public trust. The decision prevents DOGE from accessing sensitive data as the case progresses, citing potential violations of the Privacy Act. The ruling highlights concerns about federal agencies overstepping legal bounds in executing government efficiency agendas.