Deborah Archer President at American Civil Liberties Union | Official website
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has initiated Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests with over 40 federal agencies, seeking transparency about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)'s access to sensitive personal information. The ACLU is also urging Congress to exercise oversight on DOGE's operations.
Concerns are mounting that DOGE, an office established during President Trump's administration, is accessing databases within federal agencies such as the Treasury and Health and Human Services (HHS). These databases contain financial, health, and social security data of individuals. There are reports that DOGE employs artificial intelligence to make decisions on public service cuts, raising fears of data breaches and risks to Americans' safety.
The FOIA requests by the ACLU aim to uncover if DOGE or its representatives have accessed or sought access to personal data held by the government. Additionally, they seek information on DOGE's use of AI for data analysis, which could lead to mass surveillance or misuse of information. The ACLU's communication with congressional leaders emphasizes the importance of upholding privacy laws and maintaining Congress’s oversight role.
Nathan Freed Wessler, deputy director of ACLU’s Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, stated: “The American people deserve to know if their private financial, medical, and personal records are being illegally accessed, analyzed, or weaponized by Trump's unaccountable team of unvetted outsiders.” He further expressed concern about DOGE’s intrusion into protected databases without regard for privacy safeguards.
DOGE leadership claims its employees within government agencies are not subject to FOIA. Consequently, the ACLU has extended FOIA requests to various agencies managing sensitive data like the Treasury Department, IRS, Social Security Administration, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security.
Cody Venzke, senior policy counsel at ACLU remarked: “DOGE's access to sensitive personal records of millions of people is deeply alarming and raises significant legal questions.” He urged Congress to act against what he termed as presidential overreach.