Judge Declines to Block Musk’s DOGE From Accessing Student Borrower Data

A federal judge has refused to block Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from obtaining access to Education Department records on student borrowers, marking another legal win for the rapidly expanding agency.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss ruled Monday evening that the University of California Student Association (USCA), which filed the lawsuit, failed to demonstrate immediate and irreparable harm that would justify blocking DOGE’s access.

“Because the Court concludes that UCSA has failed to clear that essential hurdle, the Court’s analysis also ends there,” Moss wrote. He noted that while broader legal questions remain unresolved, they would be considered at a later stage of the case.

The ruling follows a string of legal battles over DOGE’s efforts to insert itself into federal agencies. Since President Trump’s return to office, Musk’s agency has aggressively pushed for access to government records under the pretext of cutting trillions in government spending.

Critics warn that these efforts could lead to violations of federal privacy laws and mass layoffs across the federal workforce.

USCA raised concerns that DOGE’s access to the Education Department’s databases would expose millions of student borrowers' personal data, including tax information submitted as part of financial aid applications.

The organization argued that DOGE’s involvement violated federal privacy protections and risked misuse of sensitive data.

Moss acknowledged those concerns but ruled that existing privacy laws still required DOGE to maintain confidentiality.

“ED and DOGE staffers are obligated to use UCSA members’ information for lawful purposes within the mission of the Department of Education and to keep it confidential, in accordance with the Privacy Act, tax laws, and other federal law,” he wrote.

Public Citizen, the left-leaning consumer advocacy group representing USCA in the lawsuit, has not yet responded to the ruling.

The decision comes amid broader legal disputes over DOGE’s role in government operations. Just days earlier, another judge declined to immediately block DOGE from accessing systems at the Labor Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

However, a separate ruling has blocked DOGE personnel from gaining entry into critical Treasury Department payment systems responsible for managing trillions of dollars annually.

Further rulings are expected in the coming weeks as courts weigh whether to restrict DOGE’s reach within seven other federal agencies.

The growing controversy over DOGE’s influence has led to questions about Musk’s role in the Trump administration.

A sworn declaration submitted Monday by Joshua Fisher, director of the White House administration office, confirmed Musk’s status as a senior adviser to President Trump but clarified that he is not an official government employee.

“He is not an employee of the U.S. DOGE Service or U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization. Mr. Musk is not the U.S. DOGE Service Administrator,” Fisher wrote.

The confirmation of Musk’s role has raised further concerns among lawmakers and legal experts who argue that his authority remains unchecked.

With DOGE rapidly expanding its access to government databases, opponents warn that its reach could pose significant risks to privacy, security, and accountability within the federal system.

DOGE’s involvement in student loan data has sparked backlash from education advocates who fear that Musk’s influence could lead to sweeping changes in federal student aid programs.

While the Trump administration has signaled plans to overhaul student loan forgiveness and repayment structures, the extent of DOGE’s role in those decisions remains unclear.

The legal battles surrounding DOGE reflect broader tensions over Trump’s second-term agenda. With Musk positioned as a key figure in the administration, his agency’s aggressive expansion has drawn resistance from Democratic lawmakers, privacy advocates, and government watchdog groups.

The outcome of pending lawsuits will determine the extent of DOGE’s power within federal agencies. If courts continue to allow its access, opponents fear that Musk’s agency could set a precedent for private-sector influence over public institutions.

As legal challenges unfold, the Biden-appointed judiciary will play a central role in shaping the future of DOGE’s authority.

While Moss’s ruling represents a temporary victory for Musk and Trump, further legal battles are likely to determine whether the agency’s rapid expansion can continue unchecked.

For now, DOGE remains embedded within multiple federal agencies, securing deeper access to government systems despite mounting opposition.

With its reach extending into financial, labor, education, and health sectors, the agency has positioned itself as a dominant force in the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape government operations.

In the coming weeks, courts will decide whether to impose limits on DOGE’s authority.

But as of now, Musk’s influence within Washington continues to grow, raising alarms over the unchecked power of his agency and the broader implications for federal oversight and accountability.