Key Takeaways:

• Thirteen states plan to sue Elon Musk's DOGE program over unauthorized access to sensitive federal payment systems.
• Attorney General Letitia James emphasizes the legal standing of privacy and due process over personal data.
• The White House has yet to respond amid mounting legal challenges against DOGE's actions.

Thirteen Democratic attorneys general, led by HuffPost’s Letitia James from New York, announced plans to file a lawsuit against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The lawsuit is aimed at stopping DOGE's access to federal payment systems containing sensitive personal information of Americans. The attorneys general expressed their commitment to defending the Constitution and the right to privacy, asserting that “no one is above the law,” and that the President lacks the authority to share private information without proper consent.

James stated that the access provided to DOGE poses serious risks, potentially leading to disruptions in crucial government programs such as Social Security and Medicare, which millions rely on according to AP News. In a joint statement, the thirteen states emphasized that this action undermines the fundamental rights of individuals and compromises essential funding for communities.

Notably, a federal judge recently limited access to just “read only” for two of Musk’s allies regarding Treasury Department systems, after concerns were raised by federal workers' unions reported by CBS News. However, this does not quell the unease surrounding Musk’s increasing influence and the implications of DOGE's data access on government payments.

Musk’s efforts have drawn widespread criticism, particularly among Democratic lawmakers, who view his role as overreaching and unauthorized. Critics have pointed out the potential consequences of Musk’s access, suggesting it puts vital social support systems at risk. “This level of access for unauthorized individuals is unlawful, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” said James according to Time.

The pushback against DOGE reflects broader tensions surrounding the intersection of private interests and public data, as Democratic members of Congress call for legislative measures to ensure that access to critical payment systems is restricted to authorized personnel only. Amid the ongoing controversy, the White House has yet to provide comments regarding these legal actions.

As this legal battle unfolds, the incident raises significant questions surrounding privacy rights and the regulation of data access in governmental contexts, highlighting the balance between efficiency and accountability in public service.

For further details on the legal actions being taken against the DOGE initiative, visit Newsweek.