The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been scrutinizing government spending and accessing sensitive government data. Following its establishment after President Trump’s inauguration, DOGE personnel gained access to various federal agency databases, including the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), prompting concerns about privacy and cybersecurity. A whistleblower, Dan Berulis, alleged that attempts were made to log into the NLRB’s systems from Russia, heightening fears of a major security breach.
DOGE’s broad data access has led to internal conflicts within agencies, with dozens of federal employees either resigning or facing disciplinary action for opposing these practices. Key Democratic figures in Congress have raised alarms, highlighting that unchecked access to sensitive information could jeopardize national security and the integrity of systems critical to the U.S. government. As a result, they have called for investigations into DOGE’s data practices by the Government Accountability Office.
Berulis’s concerns point to potential cybersecurity risks, as DOGE personnel requested unfettered access to sensitive records far beyond what is typically granted. Cases have emerged across agencies, including the Department of Interior and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where staff opposed DOGE’s demands. Some legal challenges have been initiated to limit DOGE’s access, arguing that it exceeds statutory authority and poses significant risks to confidential information of millions of Americans.
The operational foundation of DOGE—a directive for efficiency—has caused friction, leading to questions about its intentions and methods of data access. While the White House maintains that DOGE is committed to eliminating waste and fraud, the growing controversies and legal scrutiny highlight a serious debate about privacy and data security in government operations.
