Washington, D.C. DOGE Department of Treasury Access Challenge

Lawsuit filed by the Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees and Service Employees International Union against Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, the Department of Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service challenging DOGE’s attempts to gain access to the Treasury Department’s information systems. On Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14158 (EO 14158), which created DOGE — led by Elon Musk — to dismantle and restructure federal programs and services. The order also requires the head of each federal agency to establish a “DOGE team” of at least four employees, which would work alongside DOGE to advise agencies on how to implement Trump’s agenda. EO 14158 also orders agencies to provide unfettered access to all unclassified agency systems and records. 

The plaintiffs claim that within a week of being sworn in, Bessent granted DOGE personnel full access to the Bureau’s data and information systems, which they assert contains highly sensitive personal and financial information of millions of Americans. The plaintiffs argue DOGE’s efforts and Bessent’s compliance violate the Administrative Procedure Act, Privacy Act and the Internal Revenue Code. They ask the court to block DOGE’s access to the Bureau and Treasury Department’s records in compliance with federal law.

On Feb. 5, the defendants agreed not to provide DOGE with any records or information systems until the court rules on the plaintiffs’ incoming motion for a preliminary injunction.

STATUS: On March 7, the court denied plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction to restrain DOGE’s access to sensitive information and systems inside the Treasury Department.

Last updated: March 7, 2025 9:26 am EST