Judge to Rule on Musk’s DOGE Team Access to Labor Department Systems “`
WASHINGTON — A federal judge will decide on Friday whether to prevent Elon Musk’s team from accessing Labor Department systems, following investigations into Musk’s companies.
Three unions filed a lawsuit to block access by Musk’s team (referred to as DOGE in the text), arguing that the systems contain sensitive worker data, including safety complaints.
The Labor Department also possesses information about investigations into Musk’s companies, SpaceX and Tesla, and potentially trade secrets of competitors, according to the unions’ lawsuit.
The Justice Department counters that the unions are speculating and haven’t demonstrated that DOGE employees would access sensitive information. They state that three DOGE employees have been assigned to the Labor Department for cost-cutting initiatives.
U.S. District Judge John Bates, appointed by President George W. Bush, is presiding over the case.
This lawsuit arises as Musk expands his influence within the federal government, with President Trump’s support. Musk’s team has gained access to Treasury Department systems, significantly altered the U.S. Agency for International Development, and incentivized federal worker resignations.
“At every step,” labor union lawyers, represented by Democracy Forward, allege, “DOGE is violating multiple laws, from constitutional limits on executive power, to protections for civil servants, to safeguards for government data on millions of Americans.”
The Labor Department houses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which has investigated and fined SpaceX and Tesla regarding worker safety, the unions stated in court filings.
Labor Department officials reportedly told a union member that Musk’s team’s visit should be met with cooperation, advising workers not to resist or question them.
The Justice Department maintains there’s no evidence of wrongdoing and argues against a broad preventative order based on speculation.
Another judge previously limited DOGE’s access to Treasury Department payment systems, granting two employees “read only” access. Thirteen states plan to sue over DOGE’s access to federal payment systems.
“`