A federal judge has partially lifted restrictions on DOGE’s access to sensitive Treasury Department data, allowing a specific employee to handle the information after completing standard training requirements.
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas ruled that Ryan Wunderly, a DOGE employee, can access Treasury data after completing typical employee training and submitting a financial disclosure report, marking a significant shift in the ongoing debate over DOGE’s authority.
The decision comes two months after an initial ban was implemented due to concerns about the handling of sensitive information, including Social Security and bank account numbers.
“The department aims to modernize federal technology and reduce spending, but its methods and access to sensitive data have faced significant criticism from privacy advocates and government watchdogs,” said Mark Thompson, a federal oversight expert at the Center for Government Excellence.
Nineteen Democratic state attorneys general initiated the lawsuit, arguing that DOGE’s political appointees should not have access to sensitive records typically managed by career civil servants.
DOGE, established through an executive order by President Trump on January 20, 2025, was created to identify and eliminate government waste, fraud, and abuse. The department, led by Elon Musk, has faced ongoing scrutiny over its methods and access to sensitive information.
The ruling could set a precedent for future DOGE employees seeking access to Treasury data, potentially expanding the department’s role in government spending reforms while maintaining stricter oversight protocols.
“This decision strikes a balance between DOGE’s mandate to improve government efficiency and the critical need to protect sensitive information,” explained Judge Vargas in her ruling.
Legal experts suggest this case highlights the ongoing tension between government modernization efforts and privacy concerns, with implications for future federal efficiency initiatives.