'Extremely Worrisome and Surprising' — Federal Judge Considers Emergency Order To Block DOGE From Social Security Systems

A federal judge is weighing whether to block the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing sensitive Social Security Administration data, a move that could have significant implications for millions of Americans receiving benefits. The case stems from growing concerns about privacy and security following DOGE's sweeping access to SSA systems under the Trump administration.

Why Is DOGE Accessing Social Security Data?

DOGE, led by Elon Musk, was created to cut waste and improve efficiency within the federal government. The Trump administration has argued that DOGE's access to Social Security data is necessary to identify and prevent fraud. According to the Associated Press, DOGE has a team of 10 federal employees working within the SSA, with seven granted read-only access to sensitive information, including health records for disability applicants.

Don't Miss:

• Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.
• Hasbro, MGM Resorts, and Sketchers Use this Pre-IO AI Marketing Firm — and You Can Own a Piece of it From $0.55/Share

Government attorneys have claimed that DOGE's access does not deviate from standard practices within the agency, where employees and auditors are routinely allowed to search its databases. However, critics argue that the extent of DOGE's access represents a significant and troubling shift in how personal data is handled.

Concerns Over Privacy and Security

During a hearing in Baltimore last week, U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander expressed skepticism over DOGE's broad access to SSA systems, calling it "extremely worrisome and surprising," according to AP. Hollander questioned why DOGE needed access to such a large volume of personal data, suggesting that a more targeted approach could achieve the same fraud prevention goals without compromising privacy.

"This is like hitting a fly with a sledgehammer," Hollander said, raising concerns about the potential for data breaches or misuse of sensitive information.

Trending: This Startup Is On The Brink Of A Huge Disruption To The $654 Billion Industry – Invest In It Before It Fulfills 800 Pre-Orders

The plaintiffs, including labor unions and retiree groups, have argued that DOGE's actions violate privacy laws and could put Social Security recipients' benefits at risk. Outside the courthouse, dozens of union workers and retirees rallied in support of the lawsuit, holding signs that read "Down with DOGE" and demanding the protection of their Social Security benefits.

Impact on Social Security Operations

Beyond the privacy issues, DOGE's involvement with the SSA has raised alarms about the agency's ability to continue delivering benefits efficiently. The SSA has announced plans to cut up to 14% of its workforce — despite already operating with staffing levels at a 50-year low.

Current and former SSA officials have warned that these cuts, combined with DOGE's aggressive cost-cutting measures, could destabilize the agency's ability to serve the public. Martin O'Malley, former SSA commissioner under President Joe Biden, told CNBC that DOGE's actions could lead to delayed payments, longer customer service wait times, and system outages.

Michael Astrue, a former commissioner under President George W. Bush, compared DOGE's approach with Musk's handling of Twitter. "You go into some place established, level it, and then figure you're going to improvise your way out," Astrue said at a briefing held by the National Academy of Social Insurance.

See Also: This platform is reshaping how you invest in private companies — and you can be a part of it for $0.18 per share

Judge's Decision Could Set a Major Precedent

Judge Hollander's decision on the emergency order could set a significant precedent for how federal agencies handle sensitive data and implement cost-cutting measures. The judge's ruling may also influence future cases involving DOGE, which has already faced nearly two dozen lawsuits over its government restructuring efforts.

For now, Social Security benefits remain unchanged, but the broader implications of DOGE's involvement with the SSA could reshape how the agency operates and how millions of Americans receive their benefits.

Read Next:

• ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.
• If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it?