A coalition of labor unions has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Treasury, asserting that it unlawfully granted Elon Musk’s agency, DOGE, access to sensitive data.
The lawsuit, led by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), was filed in a Washington, DC federal court on February 3, 2025. Importantly, it aims to block “unlawful, systematic, and continuous disclosure” of confidential information.
According to the AFL-CIO, the Treasury Department, under Secretary Scott Bessent, has provided DOGE with access to a vast database containing personal information of millions of Americans, including:
- Names
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Bank account details
Union Claims Americans Shouldn’t Be Forced To Share Financial Data With Musk’s Agency
The unions argue that individuals who submit financial information to the government should not be compelled to share it with Musk’s agency.
“The scale of the intrusion into individuals’ privacy is massive and unprecedented,” the AFL-CIO stated.
Moreover, the lawsuit arises amid broader criticism of former President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting initiatives, which include appointing Musk to lead DOGE, an agency seemingly named in jest after the billionaire’s frequent references to Dogecoin.
The controversy intensified after Senator Ron Wyden claimed on social media that Treasury Secretary Bessent had granted DOGE “full access” to the Treasury’s payment systems.
A day earlier, Wyden demanded an explanation from Bessent regarding DOGE’s authority.
NEW: @ActiveRetirees is suing the Treasury Department for sharing confidential data with Elon Musk’s DOGE.
Concerns regarding Musk’s influence have also been voiced by top Democratic lawmakers. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren held a press conference on February 3, 2025, raising alarms about the risks posed by DOGE’s control over sensitive government systems.
“DOGE is not a real government agency. It has no authority to make spending decisions or override federal law,” Schumer proclaimed. Warren suggested that Musk could exploit sensitive information for personal gain, cautioning that “the system is at the mercy of Elon Musk.”
Vivek Ramaswamy Steps Back From DOGE Leadership
Recently, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced his departure from the leadership of DOGE. Reports suggested he is preparing to run for governor of Ohio, with anticipation building around a forthcoming campaign announcement.
