Elon Musk's Data Breach: A Threat to Federal Workers and Democracy

Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) filed a lawsuit with a coalition of labor unions alleging Elon Musk and the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) violated the Privacy Act. The suit asserts that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the Department of Treasury, and the Department of Education disclosed confidential records of millions of Americans, including former and current federal employees, to unvetted DOGE staff who do not have the proper security clearances.

"The richest person on the planet hacking into confidential and personal information is not only illegal, but also incredibly dangerous," said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. "Musk and his DOGE operatives have no right to access extremely sensitive information of the American public, particularly federal workers who have been targeted and attacked since inauguration day. It is clear that these unauthorized actors intend to use this illegally acquired data to advance their political agenda and undermine the civil service."

"Steamrolling into sensitive government record systems does not promote efficiency," the suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the State of Maryland, reads. "To the contrary, this massive data breach threatens to upend how these critical systems are maintained and seriously compromises the safety and security of personal identifying information for Americans all across the country. It also violates federal law."

NFFE and the plaintiffs are asking the court to impose immediate relief that restores the protections of the Privacy Act. We are seeking injunctive and declaratory relief to ensure that improper disclosures to DOGE representatives stop immediately and that any data currently in DOGE’s possession be immediately deleted and destroyed.

"The Privacy Act was established after Watergate to prevent exactly this type of behavior from nefarious actors," continued Erwin. "The courts must stop this reckless disregard for the rule of law. 2.3 million federal workers and countless other retirees risk having their Personally Identifiable Information compromised and their rights infringed upon. Make no mistake – Musk and his operatives will not use this information to benefit Americans. They will use it to enrich themselves and their allies, to dismantle government agencies, and to harm hardworking federal employees."

The alleged data breach by Elon Musk and DOGE has significant implications for the morale and productivity of federal workers, as well as the quality of public services. The breach undermines the trust and confidence of federal employees and retirees in the government's ability to protect their personal information. This lack of trust can lead to decreased morale and job satisfaction, as well as increased stress and anxiety among federal workers. Additionally, the uncertainty about job security and privacy can negatively impact productivity and focus on work, potentially leading to a decline in the quality of public services.

Furthermore, the involvement of an unelected private citizen, Elon Musk, in government affairs raises serious concerns about the separation of powers and the democratic process. Musk's DOGE has been granted unprecedented access to sensitive government records and systems, allowing him to influence government operations and decisions. This overreach of power undermines the authority of elected officials and the democratic process, as Musk is not accountable to the American people in the same way that elected officials are. Additionally, Musk's potential conflict of interest, as a wealthy and influential businessman, raises concerns about the misuse of government resources and the targeting of political opponents.

In conclusion, the alleged data breach by Elon Musk and DOGE has severe implications for the morale and productivity of federal workers, as well as the quality of public services. The breach undermines trust in the government and raises concerns about the separation of powers and the democratic process. It is crucial for the government to address these concerns and take appropriate measures to restore trust, ensure job security, and protect the privacy of federal workers.