A US District Judge has delayed a final ruling on a request by labor unions to block access to internal system data by Elon Musk’s government efficiency team, DOGE. The update comes after the judge rejected an earlier request for a temporary restraining order last week.
The unions, representing Labor Department employees, claim that DOGE is accessing their information illegally and without proper authorization. They argue that this could have a “chilling effect” on new employees coming forward due to fear of unlawful disclosure or retaliation.
DOGE argues that its personnel are detailed US government employees with access to the information under provisions of the Economy Act. However, the judge expressed skepticism about DOGE’s creation and hierarchy, calling it “odd.”
The case has been amended to include several other federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
The judge declined to rule from the bench, telling both parties that he will provide an update. The delay is unlikely to alleviate concerns among employees at the Labor Department and other federal agencies over DOGE’s access to sensitive internal data.
DOGE was created by the Trump administration to improve efficiency in the executive branch, but its role and authority have been questioned by critics.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judge-hears-labor-departments-renewed-request-block-doge-access