A federal judge has ruled in favor of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), allowing it access to federal student loan data despite privacy concerns raised by student groups. The University of California Student Association (UCSA) sought a restraining order to block the move, arguing it could lead to misuse and irreversible privacy violations.
However, U.S. District Judge Randolph D. Moss denied the request, stating UCSA failed to prove “irreparable harm.” Moss, an Obama appointee, cited the 1984 Wisconsin Gas Co. v. F.E.R.C. decision, noting that if future harm occurs, compensatory relief could be available under the Privacy Act and Internal Revenue Code. He acknowledged that disclosure of private data can be serious but emphasized that context matters—sensitive information must be made public or improperly handled to qualify as irreparable harm. This decision supports Musk’s broader plan to cut $2 trillion from federal spending, including billions from student loan programs.
