U.S. Supreme Court Allows the 'Department of Government Efficiency' to Access Sensitive Data from the Social Security Administration
Beijing News Washington, June 6 (Reporter Sha Hanting) The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the 6th local time that the 'Department of Government Efficiency' can access sensitive data from the Social Security Administration involving personal information.
In the ruling, 6 conservative justices agreed that the 'Department of Government Efficiency' could access the relevant sensitive data, while 3 liberal justices expressed opposition.
The U.S. Social Security Administration is responsible for managing social security, including social welfare for retirees and individuals with disabilities. The agency holds the personal information of the vast majority of Americans, including school records, income status, and medical information.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the American Federation of Teachers, the American Association of Retired Persons, and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. The plaintiffs argue that the 'Department of Government Efficiency' obtaining personal information violates the 'right to privacy.' The Trump administration, on the other hand, contends that the 'Department of Government Efficiency' needs to obtain relevant information to fulfill its mission of 'clarifying issues of fraud and waste within federal agencies.'
Previously, Judge Deborah Boardman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland ruled that, except in special circumstances, the 'Department of Government Efficiency' could not access sensitive data involving personal information from the Social Security Administration. The Trump administration then appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Virginia, which upheld the lower court's ruling. In response to this outcome, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court.
On January 20, Trump signed an executive order on the day of his inauguration to establish an advisory committee called the 'Department of Government Efficiency,' led by Musk, claiming that this would significantly reduce federal spending to restore the capability and efficiency of the federal government. Since its establishment, the 'Department of Government Efficiency' has faced criticism for obtaining information from multiple federal government departments and conducting large-scale layoffs, and is facing multiple lawsuits.
On May 30, Musk officially resigned from the 'Department of Government Efficiency.' (End)