Attorney General Kathy Jennings has joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The legal action aims to halt what is described as unauthorized access to Americans' private information by Elon Musk and the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE).
The lawsuit claims that the Trump Administration illegally granted Musk and DOGE access to the Treasury Department's central payment system, exposing sensitive personal data such as bank account details and Social Security numbers. This access could potentially allow them to block federal funds intended for health care, childcare, and other essential services.
"Our office has been flooded with calls and e-mails from Delawareans who are justifiably alarmed by the idea that their private information is available to an unelected oligarch and his lackies," said AG Jennings. "This is clearly unlawful and unacceptable. DOGE has no authority to access this information, which they explicitly sought in order to block critical payments that millions of Americans rely on – payments that support health care, childcare, and other essential programs. We are suing to stop this flagrant invasion of Delawareans’ privacy."
Since February 2, a new policy by the Treasury Department allows "special government employees," including Musk and DOGE members, access to its central payment system managed by the Bureau of Fiscal Services (BFS). This system manages crucial funding like Social Security payments, veteran benefits, Medicare, Medicaid payments, among others.
Federal law restricts BFS access to career civil servants with proper security clearances. The coalition argues that expanding this access violates laws protecting sensitive personal information and risks allowing unauthorized political appointees like Musk control over federal funds.
The attorneys general seek an injunction against continuing this policy change by the Trump administration. They also want a declaration that these actions are unlawful and unconstitutional.
Delaware residents interested in enhancing their data privacy can explore new consumer rights under the Delaware Data Privacy Act at de.gov/privacy. Although it does not impact federal agencies like the U.S. Treasury, it provides more control over personal data used by businesses.
Joining AG Jennings in this lawsuit are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.