Elon Musk's DOGE Expands Access Amid Legal Challenges and Privacy Concerns
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency secures access to sensitive data while facing legal scrutiny and staff cutbacks within the IRS and other agencies.
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The mystery about DOGE's organization and leadership does not appear limited to members of the public; lawyers for the Trump administration have similarly struggled with the question in court.
Contradictory statements about Musk make it unclear who runs DOGE
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Musk is a "Special Government Employee" and in that job he's a senior adviser to the president, said Fisher, per the declaration, which was filed in D.C. federal court.
Musk is not a DOGE employee and "has no actual or formal authority," White House says
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Musk has been working as a "special government employee," the White House says, and he does not receive a paycheck for his work.
Elon Musk not DOGE administrator, White House says: new court filing
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Democrats have pushed back against Musk and his DOGE team’s involvement with the Trump administration since the announcement of upending the U.S. Agency for International Development.
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DOGE's meddling with IRS systems in the middle of tax filing season could, inadvertently or otherwise, cause breakdowns that may delay the issuance of tax refunds indefinitely.
'Devastating': Senate Dems sound alarm on potential for DOGE-fueled late IRS refunds
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The move has alarmed Democratic lawmakers and other critics of US President Donald Trump’s administration amid concerns that Musk, the world’s richest person, is taking control of large areas of the federal government with little oversight.
Elon Musk’s DOGE seeks access to US taxpayers’ data, sparking privacy fears
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Advocates fear that the potential unlawful release of taxpayer records could be used to maliciously target Americans, violate their privacy and create other ramifications.
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Advocates fear that the potential unlawful release of taxpayer records could be used to maliciously target Americans, violate their privacy and create other ramifications.
DOGE seeks access to taxpayer data at IRS, AP reports
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DOGE’s involvement in IRS operations has sparked political debate.
DOGE accesses IRS in search for gov't waste, Democrats fear data at risk
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Summary
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is now permitted to access sensitive student loan data after a judge ruled potential harm unlikely, amid ongoing legal challenges regarding privacy. Critics, including 14 states' attorneys general, express alarm over DOGE's access to taxpayer data and potential misuse. White House officials clarified Musk’s limited role, asserting he is a special government employee without formal authority. The IRS is also facing staffing cuts during tax season, exacerbating fears that DOGE’s operations could disrupt essential services. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between government efficiency initiatives and privacy safeguards.
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