Judge Rejects Bid to Block DOGE’s Access to Labor, Health, and CFPB Data

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

A judge has upheld DOGE’s authority to access data at three federal agencies.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) can continue its de facto audit of certain executive agencies, according to a ruling Friday in the District of Columbia.

U.S. District Judge John Bates in Washington on Feb. 14 declined a request by unions and nonprofits for a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prevent the DOGE team from gaining access to records at the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

In denying the plaintiffs’ request for a restraining order, the judge noted that the plaintiffs failed to show a substantial likelihood of success on the merits of their claims, which centered on the idea that DOGE’s data access policies were illegal because they were implemented without proper rulemaking or legal authority.

The AFL-CIO and other unions argued that DOGE’s ability to access sensitive information systems at the three agencies violates the Privacy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. They contended that the federal agencies were unlawfully granting DOGE-affiliated personnel access to sensitive records without legal authority, as DOGE does not qualify as an agency employee under the Privacy Act’s provisions governing interagency data sharing.

The plaintiffs also claimed that the Trump administration’s implementation of DOGE policies lacked proper regulatory approval, violating the Administrative Procedure Act.

Trump administration attorneys responded by arguing that DOGE personnel are legally authorized to access these records under the Economy Act, which allows agencies to “detail” employees to other federal departments. They further contended that DOGE’s structure aligns with other federal agencies that engage in interagency personnel transfers. However, they avoided explicitly classifying DOGE as an agency under other statutes such as the Privacy Act.

DOGE was formally established when Trump signed an executive order repurposing and redesignating the U.S. Digital Service as the U.S. DOGE Service to focus on reducing government waste and enhancing productivity. The order directs DOGE (referred to in the ruling by the acronym USDS) to collaborate with agencies to modernize the technology and software infrastructure of the federal government to increase efficiency and productivity as well as ensure data integrity.

By Kimberly Hayek

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

If Federal Food Assistance Programs End, Theft Begins

Many patriotic Americans well versed in American History have...

Tucker EN FUEGO: Taking Stock of MAGA, Ten Years on

Draining of the Swamp has yet to come anything close to fruition, as the creatures that populate said Swamp yet cling bitterly to power.

Dallas Doctor Surrenders License After Texas AG Sues for Prescribing Gender Transition Drugs to Minors

Doctor surrendered her medical license following lawsuit by Texas AG Paxton, accusing her of illegally prescribing gender transition drugs to minors.

June Lockhart, Beloved Mother Figure From ‘Lassie’ and ‘Lost in Space,’ Dies at 100

June Lockhart, a mother figure for a generation of TV viewers whether at home in “Lassie” or in the stratosphere in “Lost in Space,” has died at 100.

Kamala Harris Teases New White House Run: ‘I Am Not Done’

Kamala Harris hinted in a BBC interview that she may run for president again in 2028, saying she hasn’t ruled out another White House bid.

TCM Classic Tour at Warner Bros. Studio: Finding Stardust in Today’s Hollywood

Warner Bros. launched the TCM Classic Films Tour in April 2024, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through the studio’s historic movie legacy.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central