On February 11, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas ruled that four members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, are authorized to access the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) systems.
This decision followed a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic state attorneys general, including New York’s Letitia James, who argued that granting DOGE personnel access to sensitive financial data violated federal law and posed security risks .
Judge Vargas’ ruling permits DOGE members Thomas Krause, Linda Whitridge, Samuel Corcos, and Todd Newnam to access BFS systems, provided they meet specific training and vetting requirements. The judge emphasized that these individuals are not considered “Restricted Personnel” under federal law and thus are not subject to the same access limitations . However, the ruling does not extend to other DOGE personnel, including Elon Musk, and maintains restrictions on political appointees and special government employees from accessing BFS systems .The lawsuit filed by the coalition of state attorneys general contends that the Trump administration’s policy of granting DOGE access to BFS systems violates the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Tax Reform Act of 1976. They argue that this expanded access could allow unauthorized individuals to view and potentially misuse sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers and bank account details, and to interfere with congressionally appropriated federal funds
In response to the ruling, Attorney General James expressed concern over the potential risks associated with DOGE’s access to BFS systems, stating that it could lead to unauthorized disclosure of personal information and interference with critical federal programs .
This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal and political debates surrounding the Trump administration’s initiatives to streamline government operations and reduce federal spending. The decision underscores the balance courts seek between executive authority and the protection of citizens’ privacy and constitutional rights.
