A judge blocks DOGE access to federal data, citing legal and privacy violations despite recent Supreme Court support.

Federal Court Restricts Access Over Privacy Violations

A federal judge in New York has issued a preliminary injunction limiting the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to federal databases, citing a “breach of law and trust.” The ruling, handed down Monday by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote, follows a lawsuit filed in February by a coalition of federal employees and unions who alleged misuse of private records by DOGE officials and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Judge Cote determined that DOGE personnel were granted access to sensitive OPM systems without sufficient justification, violating both the Privacy Act and cybersecurity standards. “Tens of millions of Americans depend on the Government to safeguard records that reveal their most private and sensitive affairs,” she wrote, referencing exposed data such as Social Security numbers, healthcare and banking information, and family details.

In a 99-page opinion, the judge found that the plaintiffs had demonstrated a likelihood of success and were entitled to injunctive relief. She ordered the government to halt disclosure of OPM records to DOGE affiliates and to destroy any records already obtained without proper authorization. “The defendants disclosed OPM records to individuals who had no legal right of access,” Cote stated. “This was a breach of law and of trust.”

Supreme Court Favors Trump on SSA Access

The ruling comes shortly after the Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration in two separate cases involving DOGE. The justices upheld DOGE’s access to Social Security Administration (SSA) systems, despite opposition from three liberal justices who raised concerns about privacy. The court also blocked a lower court order that limited DOGE's access under federal privacy laws.

The administration argues that DOGE requires full access to perform its mandate of identifying waste and fraud in federal programs. The agency, which has been a focal point of controversy, previously operated under the leadership of Elon Musk, who described Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme” and prioritized uncovering fraud within it.

However, a separate ruling by Judge Ellen Hollander in Maryland found that DOGE’s SSA activity lacked adequate evidence and amounted to a “fishing expedition.” Her decision limited access to anonymized data unless staff had undergone training and detailed specific investigative needs. While DOGE retains limited access, the administration has said such restrictions hamper its effectiveness.

Legal, Political Fallout for DOGE Continues

Judge Cote also criticized the administration’s approach, stating that it failed to acknowledge errors made during the rapid rollout of DOGE initiatives following President Trump’s inauguration. “The Government could have acknowledged that mistakes were made… It has not,” she wrote, warning that the absence of corrective measures poses ongoing risks of harm.

Justice Department attorneys argued that exceptions should be made for high-level OPM officials and referenced past rulings allowing DOGE access under training and vetting conditions. A new motion filed Friday cited the Supreme Court's favorable decisions as grounds to reconsider access limitations.

The future of DOGE remains unclear following a public rift between President Trump and Elon Musk. While both have stated they want the agency’s anti-waste mission to continue, legal hurdles and mounting scrutiny from federal courts could redefine the scope of DOGE’s operations moving forward.