Federal Judge Rules DOGE Unlawfully Accessed Personnel Data

A federal judge ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) unlawfully accessed government personnel data, including employment histories, salary details, and contact information. The court found that the agency's access to these federal databases violated privacy laws, specifically the Privacy Act of 1974.

Established by the Trump administration to streamline operations and reduce wasteful spending, DOGE has faced ongoing legal challenges regarding the scope of its data collection. While supporters of the initiative argue that reviewing internal records is a necessary step for government accountability, the court determined that the agency's practices crossed legal boundaries.

This ruling increases scrutiny of the administration's restructuring efforts. The decision may force a comprehensive review of data-access policies and oversight mechanisms across federal agencies to ensure that privacy protections for government employees are maintained.