13 States Sue to Block DOGE’s Access to Federal Payment Data/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thirteen Democratic attorneys general are suing to stop Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal payment systems containing Americans’ personal data. The lawsuit argues that DOGE’s control could pose security risks and disrupt payments for programs like Social Security and Medicare. A federal judge has limited access to two Musk allies but blocked broader DOGE access for now.
DOGE Lawsuit: Key Takeaways
- States Taking Action: 13 attorneys general, led by New York’s Letitia James, are suing to prevent DOGE from accessing federal payment data.
- Privacy & Security Concerns: Critics argue that DOGE’s control threatens sensitive personal data and could delay vital federal payments.
- Federal Judge’s Ruling: Court grants “read-only” access to two Musk allies but blocks further DOGE involvement for now.
- Musk’s Influence Questioned: Lawmakers express concern over an unelected billionaire’s power in U.S. government operations.
- White House Response: The administration has yet to comment on the lawsuit.
- Potential Payment Disruptions: DOGE allegedly seeks to halt funding to USAID and other federal programs.
13 States Sue to Block DOGE’s Access to Federal Payment Data
Deep Look: States Sue DOGE Over Access to Government Payment Systems
A coalition of 13 Democratic attorneys general announced Thursday that they are preparing to sue the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—the controversial agency led by Elon Musk—to block its access to federal payment systems containing sensitive personal data.
The lawsuit, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, argues that DOGE’s involvement in managing federal funds is an unlawful overreach that jeopardizes the privacy and financial security of millions of Americans.
“As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no,’ but in our country, no one is above the law,” the attorneys general said in a joint statement.
Concerns Over Privacy, Security & Disruptions
DOGE, which Musk has positioned as a government efficiency task force, recently gained access to payment systems within the U.S. Treasury Department following the abrupt resignation of Treasury’s acting Deputy Secretary David Lebryk.
Critics warn that DOGE’s involvement could:
- Compromise private financial data of millions of Americans.
- Disrupt critical payments, including Social Security, Medicare, and childcare assistance.
- Allow Musk to exert influence over federal spending, including cutting off funding to certain agencies.
Federal labor unions and government officials have also raised alarms, fearing that Musk’s self-proclaimed cost-cutting mission could lead to delayed or canceled payments to essential government programs.
Federal Judge Limits DOGE’s Access—for Now
On Thursday, a federal judge issued a temporary order restricting DOGE’s involvement in Treasury’s payment systems. The court ruled that only two Musk allies would receive “read-only” access, blocking Musk and other DOGE officials from further involvement at this time.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by federal workers’ unions, who accused DOGE of conducting an unauthorized and dangerous invasion of privacy.
Elon Musk & Trump’s Push for Government Restructuring
Musk was tapped by President Donald Trump to reduce the size of the federal government and eliminate what they call wasteful spending. However, Democrats argue that DOGE is overstepping its authority—particularly in trying to cut off funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
DOGE reportedly sought access to Treasury’s payment system to block funds from flowing to USAID, a move that contradicts previous government assurances that the agency’s access was purely for auditing purposes.
Musk Mocks Critics, Defends DOGE’s Role
Despite the legal challenges, Musk has mocked concerns on his social media platform, X, claiming that DOGE’s oversight is saving taxpayers millions of dollars.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers argue that Musk holds too much power over U.S. government operations. Critics point to his unilateral decisions to cut federal payments as evidence of a dangerous overreach by an unelected billionaire.
What’s Next?
Meanwhile, the federal judge’s ruling provides temporary protection against further DOGE overreach, but the fight over government payment control is far from over.
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