Union Groups Sue US Treasury Over Elon Musk’s Access To Sensitive Financial Data

A coalition of labor unions has filed a lawsuit against the US Treasury. It alleges that the treasury unlawfully granted Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to highly sensitive financial and personal data.

The lawsuit, led by the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), was filed in a Washington, DC federal court on 3 February 2025.

Importantly, it aims to block “unlawful, systematic, and continuous disclosure” of confidential information.

According to the AFL-CIO, the Treasury Department, under Secretary Scott Bessent, has provided DOGE with access to an extensive database.

The database has names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and bank account details of millions of Americans.

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Union Claims Americans Shouldn’t Be Forced To Share Financial Data With Musk’s Agency

The union argues that individuals who submit financial information to the government should not be forced to share it with Musk or his agency.

“The scale of the intrusion into individuals’ privacy is massive and unprecedented,” the AFL-CIO said.

Moreover, the lawsuit comes amid broader criticism of former President Donald Trump’s cost-cutting initiatives.  This includes appointing Musk to lead DOGE, an agency seemingly named after the billionaire’s frequent references to Dogecoin.

The controversy escalated after US Senator Ron Wyden claimed in a social media post that Treasury Secretary Bessent had granted DOGE “full access” to the Treasury’s payment systems.

A day earlier, Wyden had formally demanded an explanation from Bessent regarding DOGE’s level of authority.

NEW: @ActiveRetirees is suing the Treasury Department for sharing confidential data with Elon Musk’s DOGE.

Full release and suit here: https://t.co/2TfkRXpjkN pic.twitter.com/cOcK8TYfuj

— Emily Soong (@emilymsoong) February 3, 2025

Concerns over Musk’s influence also drew attention from top Democratic lawmakers.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Elizabeth Warren held a press conference on 3 February 2025. They warned of the potential risks posed by DOGE’s control over sensitive government systems.

Schumer announced plans to introduce legislation to prevent unauthorized intervention in Treasury operations.

“DOGE is not a real government agency,” Schumer said. “It has no authority to make spending decisions or override federal law.”

Warren went further, warning that Musk now holds unchecked power over crucial financial data. “The system is at the mercy of Elon Musk,” she said, suggesting he could exploit the information for personal gain.

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Vivek Ramaswamy Steps Back From DOGE Leadership

Recently, former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy announced his departure as co-leader of the DOGE. Reports suggested Ramaswamy is preparing to run for governor of Ohio, a move that aligns with speculation following his recent social media activity.

While Ramaswamy did not confirm his gubernatorial aspirations, CBS News and The New York Times reported that he is expected to announce his campaign soon.

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