Democratic AGs from 19 states sue Trump admin over DOGE access to sensitive, personal data at Treasury
Democratic attorneys general from 19 states have taken legal action against the Trump administration by filing a federal lawsuit over the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to sensitive personal data at the Treasury Department. The lawsuit alleges that the Elon Musk-led agency unlawfully accessed the Treasury Department’s central payment system at the request of the Trump administration.
In response to the lawsuit, the Treasury Department has agreed to restrict DOGE’s access to its payment systems while a judge reviews arguments in a separate lawsuit brought by a coalition of employee unions and retirees. The lawsuit, filed on Monday, asserts that DOGE breached the law by being granted “full access” to the Treasury’s payment systems, which contain information such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits, tax refund details, and more.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended the department’s actions, stating that concerns about DOGE’s access are unfounded. He emphasized that the Treasury’s payment system remains untouched and that efforts are being made to enhance accountability, accuracy, and traceability of funds. Bessent reassured that payments are not being halted at the Treasury level, despite ongoing discussions about improving financial oversight.
DOGE was established to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending, with recent efforts nearly leading to the closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The lawsuit was lodged in New York by Attorney General Letitia James, along with counterparts from 18 other states including Arizona, California, Colorado, and Massachusetts. James criticized President Trump for allegedly disclosing Americans’ private information without authority and allowing DOGE to access sensitive data.
Treasury officials refuted claims of privacy law violations, clarifying that only two DOGE team members were granted “read-only” access to payment system information. The ongoing legal battle underscores the tension between government efficiency initiatives and data privacy concerns. As the case unfolds, the importance of balancing transparency with safeguarding personal information remains a key issue for policymakers and the public alike.
In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by Democratic attorneys general underscores the ongoing debate over government transparency and data privacy. The outcome of the legal proceedings will likely have implications for the future of government efficiency initiatives and the protection of sensitive information belonging to American citizens. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
