Musk-Driven DOGE Infiltration of Treasury Systems Poses ‘Severe National Security Threats’

A data privacy advocacy group, along with an anonymous federal employee, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration and the controversially named “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The lawsuit alleges that the administration, through DOGE, unlawfully seized vast amounts of personal records and sensitive payment system data from the U.S. Treasury Department. According to the plaintiffs, this unauthorized access constitutes “the largest data breach in history,” posing significant risks to both individual privacy and national security. The case raises serious concerns about government overreach, data protection, and the integrity of federal financial systems.

The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, seeking an immediate judicial intervention to prevent the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing highly sensitive databases maintained by the U.S. Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As part of its legal request, EPIC is urging the court to issue an order that would not only block DOGE’s access to these databases but also mandate the deletion or return of any data that was obtained through unlawful means.

In its legal complaint, EPIC describes the situation as “the largest and most consequential data breach in U.S. history,” emphasizing that the breach remains ongoing at both the Treasury Department and OPM. The lawsuit argues that this unprecedented security failure has compromised the personal data of tens of millions of individuals, including nearly the entire federal workforce and millions of American citizens.

The 30-page lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration has been intentionally granting DOGE illegal access to highly confidential and protected government databases, enabling the unauthorized use of sensitive information for purposes that are explicitly prohibited by law. The plaintiffs argue that these actions demonstrate a “fundamental failure” in government security protocols, leading to the disclosure of highly personal data, including Social Security numbers and tax records, belonging to millions of Americans and federal employees.

The filing further asserts that DOGE officials have overstepped their legal authority by seizing control over critical systems within OPM and the Treasury Department. According to the plaintiffs, these “ultra vires” actions—acts beyond the legal scope of DOGE’s power—have resulted in severe breaches of privacy and security, violating constitutional protections for personal data. The lawsuit contends that these unlawful disclosures have put millions at risk and compromised the integrity of some of the nation’s most sensitive government databases.

The lawsuit filed on Monday is the latest in a series of legal challenges against policies implemented by former President Donald Trump through executive orders. Among these measures were the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), efforts to reduce the federal workforce and cut government spending, and a controversial attempt to redefine citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.

EPIC’s lawsuit specifically names several key government entities and officials as defendants, including the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and its Acting Director Charles Ezell, the U.S. Treasury Department and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and DOGE itself. However, the lawsuit also directly targets billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, accusing him of improperly disclosing classified information obtained from Treasury Department systems via his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). According to the complaint, Musk received access to this data due to his association with DOGE and its leadership, raising serious concerns about data security and misuse.

The legal filing highlights what it describes as a blatant disregard for legal safeguards by DOGE and its affiliates. “DOGE Defendants and other DOGE operatives have made clear their disregard for legal controls or restraints,” the lawsuit states. It warns that, given their past behavior and willingness to publicly disclose sensitive data or exploit it for unauthorized purposes, allowing them continued access to government systems represents a near-certainty that further abuses will occur.

Despite its name, DOGE is not a formal federal agency but rather a temporary organization created through an executive order by President Trump. Its stated mission is to “modernize federal technology and software to maximize efficiency and productivity,” largely by cutting government spending and reducing the number of federal employees. Functioning under the Executive Office of the President, DOGE is set to be overseen by an administrator who, once appointed, will report directly to the White House chief of staff.

EPIC argues that the security risks posed by the “ongoing breach” have only intensified in recent weeks. The advocacy group claims that Musk and his associates have unlawfully obtained sensitive financial records, including payment documents and the personal information of millions of individuals. Moreover, screenshots of classified data allegedly leaked from the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) have reportedly been posted publicly on X. EPIC’s official statement warns that such breaches pose an immediate and severe threat to privacy, public safety, and national security.

“We believe that the illegal seizure of personnel records and payment system data poses an immediate and existential threat to the privacy and security of all Americans,” said Alan Butler, Executive Director of EPIC. “We are working diligently to stand up and challenge these unlawful actions.”