The U.S. Treasury Department is facing legal action after allegedly granting DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) access to sensitive financial and personal data of millions of Americans. The lawsuit, filed by major union groups, accuses the Treasury of violating federal laws.
Union Groups Challenge Treasury’s Decision
The lawsuit was filed on February 3 in a Washington federal court by AFL-CIO, Public Citizen Litigation Group, Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of Government Employees. Plaintiffs argue that Musk and DOGE had no legal authority to access records maintained by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.
Privacy and Legal Issues Under Scrutiny
The legal action presents concerns about violations of the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 because these laws exist to safeguard taxpayer information from unauthorized access or disclosure. The plaintiffs claim that Treasury Department actions endanger both financial assets and personal security of retirees alongside taxpayers and federal employees.
Musk’s Role and Legal Implications
The White House confirmed that Musk is serving as a Special Government Employee (SGE) under the Trump administration, overseeing government spending through DOGE. While Musk does not have direct authority over federal payments, his involvement in government financial matters has sparked widespread criticism.
As the case unfolds, questions linger about the transparency and legality of DOGE's role within the U.S. Treasury. The lawsuit is set to establish a significant precedent in debates regarding government accountability and data privacy.
