The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to approve a bold new data-sharing initiative led by Elon Musk’s DOGE. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) wants full access to Social Security Administration (SSA) databases. This includes sensitive data like Social Security numbers, medical histories, and financial information.
However, federal judges have pushed back. They argue DOGE is reaching beyond legal and privacy limits. One court even called the project a “fishing expedition.”
Despite this, Trump officials insist the program is vital. They claim DOGE must have the data to reduce fraud and modernize systems. Without full access, they argue, waste and inefficiency will continue.
Vice President JD Vance and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles support the initiative. They say it aligns with Trump’s promise to “drain the swamp.”
Still, concerns remain. Critics point to the vague language used by DOGE and the lack of transparency in its methods. A lower court already blocked DOGE access in March. The judge cited both privacy risks and a lack of legal safeguards.
Now, the data access debate moves to the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts will first review the case. He may refer it to the full court.
DOGE staff say they need access for three projects. One identifies people who are wrongly marked as alive or dead. Another investigates suspicious benefit changes. A third looks for fraud in new claims and wage reports.
Yet privacy advocates warn of serious consequences. They argue anonymized data could achieve the same goals without invading privacy. Employee unions and retiree groups have also filed lawsuits.
The data access debate has exposed divisions across federal agencies. Some leaders argue transparency is lacking. Others fear overreach.
DOGE defenders continue pushing. They say real reform demands real access. Still, the data access debate remains unsettled and its outcome could reshape government oversight for years.
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