Federal judge hears Labor Department’s renewed request to block DOGE access
A federal judge has postponed a final ruling on the Labor Department’s request to block Elon Musk’s government efficiency team from accessing internal system data. U.S. District Judge John Bates, appointed by George W. Bush, informed both parties that they would hear from him regarding the decision, without specifying a date or time.
This development follows Judge Bates’ rejection of the Labor Department’s previous attempt to obtain a temporary restraining order against DOGE’s access to internal data. The judge determined that the plaintiffs lacked standing and did not demonstrate sufficient harm from the actions.
In response, unions expanded their lawsuit to include the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
During a three-hour argument session on Friday, plaintiffs contended that DOGE employees were unlawfully accessing information since DOGE is not officially a government agency. They highlighted concerns about DOGE’s involvement in directing agency staff and contract cuts rather than merely advising the president.
The Justice Department countered that DOGE personnel are detailed U.S. government employees with access to information under the Economy Act. Judge Bates refrained from issuing an immediate ruling, stating that both parties would receive further communication.
The uncertainty surrounding DOGE’s access to sensitive internal data continues to raise alarms at the Labor Department and other federal agencies. Labor Department union attorneys warned that without court intervention, DOGE could access confidential information, including financial and medical records, employee safety complaints, and trade secrets.
The potential disclosure of sensitive information related to Musk-owned companies Tesla and SpaceX has sparked fears of unauthorized access. Attorney Mark Samburg emphasized that such access could deter employees from reporting concerns due to concerns about retaliation or privacy breaches.
Judge Bates expressed skepticism about DOGE’s structure and accountability, noting its avoidance of classification as an agency while operating under the president’s chief of staff. He questioned the credibility of DOGE’s operational framework and emphasized the need for clarity.
As the situation unfolds, updates are expected to address the risks associated with DOGE’s access to confidential data. The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring transparency in government operations.
Breanne Deppisch, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the Trump administration, provides insights into the evolving case and its implications for national security and privacy protection. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds on the WordPress platform.
