Attorney General Aaron M. Frey has aligned with a coalition of 12 attorneys general to issue a statement concerning the U.S. Department of the Treasury's decision to allow Elon Musk and his "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) staffers access to sensitive payment systems containing Americans' personally identifiable information.
The statement, released today, expresses significant concern over this development. "In the past week, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has given Elon Musk access to Americans’ personal private information, state bank account data, and other information that is some of our country’s most sensitive data," it reads.
The coalition criticizes the decision as unlawful and without precedent. "As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no,’ but in our country, no one is above the law," they assert. They argue that neither the President nor any entity has the authority to distribute such private information or obstruct federally approved payments.
The group emphasizes that DOGE lacks authority for such access and highlights their intent to prevent critical payments relied upon by millions from being blocked—payments supporting essential services like health care and childcare.
"In defense of our Constitution, our right to privacy, and the essential funding that individuals and communities nationwide are counting on, we will be filing a lawsuit to stop this injustice," concludes their statement.
Alongside Attorney General Frey are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New York,Rhode Island, and Vermont who have joined in releasing this statement.