President Donald Trump's administration has appealed to the Supreme Court to allow Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to Social Security Administration data on millions of Americans. This appeal follows a divided decision from the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals, which blocked DOGE's access, citing concerns over the excessive breadth of data sought and its violation of Social Security Administration policy. The lawsuit, brought by federal employee unions and a retiree association, challenges DOGE's access to sensitive data, arguing that the administration's efforts are more of a 'fishing expedition' than a targeted fraud prevention initiative. DOGE claims that access is necessary for modernizing government systems and combating fraud; however, the courts have thus far been cautious about granting such broad access. The administration argues that court decisions are impeding essential reforms and infringing on executive branch functions by limiting data access deemed necessary for infrastructure improvements and waste elimination.

The Trump administration is appealing to the Supreme Court to allow DOGE, led by Elon Musk, access to extensive Social Security data, arguing it is crucial for combating fraud and modernizing government systems.

A recent decision by the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals blocked this access, with a divided opinion reflecting concerns over the scope of data requested, which exceeds what most administration officials are allowed to review.

Judge Robert King noted that allowing DOGE access would violate existing Social Security Administration policies, which emphasize data access limitations and separation of duties to protect sensitive information.

The lawsuit, initiated by federal employee unions and a retiree association, is one among multiple legal challenges to DOGE's attempts to access confidential data across various federal agencies.

DOGE argues its data access is necessary for reform efforts, but the district court has criticized the initiative as an overly broad search for fraud, lacking a solid foundation of evidence.

The Trump administration contends that the court's injunctions are obstructing critical governmental reforms and improperly interfering with executive branch decision-making regarding data access.

US District Judge Ellen Hollander characterized DOGE's efforts as speculative, suggesting the pursuit of data access is based on mere suspicion rather than concrete evidence of widespread fraud.