Judge Rules DOGE Unlawfully Accessed Government Personnel Data

A federal judge has ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency unlawfully accessed government personnel data, intensifying legal scrutiny of the Trump administration's cost-cutting initiative. The decision raises questions about privacy protections and the legal limits of DOGE's access to sensitive federal employee records.

• Judge found DOGE's access to personnel databases crossed legal boundaries
• Records include employment histories, salaries and contact details
• Case centered on compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974
• Ruling may prompt agencies to review data-access policies