Washington — A group of Democratic lawmakers is raising alarms over Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as it focuses on the Education Department. Concerns are growing regarding DOGE’s potential access to sensitive internal systems containing personal information about millions of Americans.
In a recent communication directed at the acting Secretary of Education, these lawmakers have expressed the need to intervene as DOGE seeks deeper access to databases related to student loans and other significant records. They are apprehensive that this could pave the way for a larger takeover similar to Musk’s earlier efforts aimed at the U.S. Agency for International Development.
On Friday, multiple Democrats, including Rep. Mark Takano from California, reported being turned away from the Education Department’s headquarters in Washington while demanding a discussion with appointees from the Trump administration. Takano emphasized the Trump administration’s stated intention to eliminate the Department of Education, reminding that such an action cannot be executed merely through executive order.
The current climate at the Education Department has been described as chaotic, with Republicans, led by Trump, exploring ways to reduce its stature significantly. There are indications that the White House is contemplating an executive order directing the education secretary to minimize the department’s operations while advocating for its complete dissolution. This has brought about a wave of paid leaves among staff without clear explanations, while DOGE personnel begin reviewing departmental records with an eye towards budget cuts.
Reports indicate that DOGE has already attained access to a critical database that stores personal information of millions of students and their parents involved in federal student loan programs. A department employee revealed that DOGE representatives requested this access earlier last week. Additionally, another source mentioned that administrator-level access to the department’s website was set to be granted on Friday, which could enable DOGE members to modify website content or even take it offline.
The team from DOGE—comprised mainly of young individuals—has been operating in the office of the undersecretary and has been observed moving through the halls and inspecting various areas, generally keeping to themselves. Sheria Smith, president of a union representing federal employees, noted that these individuals tend to avoid interaction with others outside their group.
In a bid to halt DOGE’s access to educational financial systems, a lawsuit was filed on Friday. Advocates from Student Defense filed the case on behalf of the University of California Student Association, arguing that DOGE’s access threatens the privacy rights of millions of federal student loan borrowers. The suit claims that DOGE could have access to private data including Social Security numbers, driver’s license information, and various contact details of borrowers, as well as parental data related to dependent loan applications.
According to the lawsuit, allowing DOGE such access constitutes a significant invasion of privacy for over 42 million individuals whose data resides in federal student aid systems. These individuals trusted the department with their information when applying for federal loans and completing financial aid forms.
In response, the Education Department has asserted that DOGE is committed to revitalizing in-person operations, improving employee accountability, and reforming the hiring process to enhance merit-based practices. Officials have indicated that there is nothing improper occurring.
“The DOGE team members are recognized federal employees,” the department clarified, emphasizing that they have undergone appropriate background checks and clearances to ensure they are equipped to drive cost-efficiency and accountability.
Moreover, Rep. Bobby Scott, the lead Democrat on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, has called on a government oversight body to assess the security of data within the Education Department and other agencies under DOGE’s purview. In his recent correspondence to the Government Accountability Office, he labeled the situation as a “constitutional emergency,” particularly after recent dismissals of several inspectors general by Trump.
Scott described the scenario as concerning, given that oversight is lacking for a young team with limited experience and their leader being the wealthiest person globally.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric has prominently featured his plans to dismantle the Education Department, branding it as overrun by “radicals” and “zealots.” He appointed former wrestling executive Linda McMahon as his choice for education secretary, stating his desire for her to eliminate her own position in the department.
However, Trump’s ambitions to close the department face the hard truth that its existence and most of its funding are legislated by Congress. The uncertainty surrounding the ability to marshal support within political ranks to achieve such an aim is evident, as past efforts to eliminate the department have failed to gain significant backing from Republicans.
Recently, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt moderated the administration’s tone, indicating that while options are being explored to diminish the Department of Education’s scope, outright abolition may not be immediately feasible.
