Federal Judge Blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE Access to Sensitive Education Department Records
Temporary Restraining Order Halts Data Retrieval
A federal judge appointed by former President Joe Biden has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing personal records at the Department of Education (DoEd). The order, issued by Judge Deborah Boardman of Greenbelt, Maryland, prevents DOGE from accessing sensitive data, including financial information related to federal student loans.
Plaintiffs Cite Unauthorized Data Sharing
The restraining order stems from a lawsuit filed by individuals claiming that the DoEd and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unlawfully shared their personally identifiable information (PII) with personnel implementing DOGE’s cost-cutting agenda. The plaintiffs argued that this action violated their constitutional rights.
Judge Cites Irreparable Harm
Judge Boardman ruled that the plaintiffs demonstrated a likelihood of irreparable harm if the TRO was not granted. She noted that DOGE affiliates had obtained access to sensitive data, such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, income, assets, citizenship status, and disability status.
Court Findings and Analysis
In her decision, Judge Boardman stated:
"The plaintiffs have made a clear showing that they are likely to suffer irreparable harm without injunctive relief. DOGE affiliates have been granted access to systems of record that contain some of the plaintiffs’ most sensitive data… Upon consideration of the amended complaint… the Court finds that the plaintiffs have met their burden for the extraordinary relief they seek."
DOGE’s Commitment to Cost-Cutting
DOGE, a newly formed department tasked with reducing federal spending, has been subject to legal challenges. Despite these challenges, the department has achieved several victories in its efforts to streamline government operations.
Similar Case Law Impacts Ruling
Judge Boardman’s ruling drew upon recent precedents set by other courts in similar cases. In particular, she cited the earlier decision of a different judge who blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship.
Legal Setbacks for DOGE
The latest ruling against DOGE marks another setback for the department’s efforts to access data systems at federal agencies. Previously, U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan denied a request for a TRO to prevent DOGE from accessing data at several federal agencies.
District Judge Cooper Rejects Labor Union Request
DOGE also received a favorable ruling from District Judge Christopher Cooper, an Obama appointee. Judge Cooper rejected a request from federal labor unions to pause the mass firings of federal workers by the Trump administration.
Conclusion
The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Boardman halts DOGE’s access to sensitive data at the DoEd, safeguarding the personal information of individuals. Despite legal challenges, DOGE continues its pursuit of cost-cutting measures, while facing ongoing scrutiny from courts and legal advocates.
