A legal war is underway regarding the access that Elon Musk's affiliates have to closely-guarded government data, sparking concerns about privacy violations and breaches of federal privacy laws. Multiple lawsuits have been filed accusing the Trump administration of allowing Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) affiliates to take control of highly restricted government IT systems.
Judges have expedited hearings to understand the extent of DOGE affiliates' reach into critical government IT infrastructure, including systems at agencies such as the Office of Personal Management, the Treasury Department, and the Department of Labor. The administration has faced scrutiny over the vetting process for Musk's allies, who have been installed as 'special government employees' in various agencies.
