Trump Administration's Push To Access Social Security Data Faces Major Setback As Court Dismisses Appeal

A recent court decision has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's effort to allow the Department of Government Efficiency to access sensitive Social Security data, marking a key moment in a closely watched legal dispute over data privacy and government oversight.

Appeal Dismissed Over Lack of Jurisdiction

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on April 1 dismissed the administration's attempt to overturn a temporary restraining order that had previously barred DOGE from accessing personal information held by the Social Security Administration. The court dismissed the appeal due to a lack of jurisdiction, allowing the case to proceed in district court.

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The restraining order was originally issued on March 20 by federal Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander. It prevents DOGE from obtaining sensitive personal data such as Social Security numbers, earnings records, medical treatment history, and tax information.

Background on the Case

The legal challenge was brought by a group of unions and retiree organizations, including the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the American Federation of Teachers, and the Alliance for Retired Americans. The groups expressed concern about the potential misuse of private data if DOGE were allowed to proceed.

"We are pleased the 4th Circuit agreed to let this important case continue in district court," said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the ARA, in a statement. "Every American retiree must be able to trust that the Social Security Administration will protect their most sensitive and personal data from unwarranted disclosure."

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Legal advocacy group Democracy Forward, which represents the plaintiffs, added that the administration failed to follow proper legal procedures in its appeal. "Today's decision will ensure that our clients—workers, retirees, and educators across the country—will be heard promptly and fairly in the district court," said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward.

Social Security Operations Remain in Place

Shortly after the restraining order was issued, SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek raised concerns that the order might disrupt agency operations. However, Judge Hollander clarified that the restraining order applied only to employees working directly on DOGE-related activities—not to the SSA as a whole.

Following that clarification, Dudek confirmed the agency would remain open. "SSA employees and their work will continue under the TRO," he said in a March 21 statement. He also emphasized President Donald Trump's support for keeping Social Security offices open and continuing benefit payments without delay.

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What Happens Next?

Now that the appeal has been dismissed, the case returns to the district court, where a motion for a preliminary injunction is expected. If granted, that would extend the restrictions on DOGE's access to personal data while the full case is litigated.

For retirees and others who rely on the Social Security system, the court’s recent decision may offer some reassurance. While the legal process is ongoing, protections remain in place for the time being to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive personal information.

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