Elon Musk's DOGE Blocked from Accessing Labor Department Data in Stunning Win for Unions

A federal judge delivered a major victory for labor unions Thursday by temporarily blocking Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Department of Labor (DOL) data.

The ruling comes amid growing concerns that DOGE, focused on cutting federal spending, could misuse or tamper with crucial worker-related records.

The decision follows a lawsuit filed Wednesday by a coalition of federal employee unions, including the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Federation of Labor. The lawsuit argued DOGE's demand for immediate access to DOL systems threatened workers' rights and privacy. DOGE operatives ordered employees to comply "without question" or risk termination, according to the complaint.

In response to the ruling, union leaders celebrated what they called a crucial step in preserving government oversight.

"As many of you may know, the DOGE Team visited as planned. However, thanks to our swift response and the support of our labor partners, we successfully obtained a temporary order preventing DOL from sharing any data with DOGE," read an email sent by union officials Thursday, obtained by the Washington Post.

"This order remains in effect until the court rules on the temporary restraining order. The DOGE will continue to visit but should not be accessing anything. Keep your eyes and ears open. Please let us know if you see or hear something you can prove. This will be critical," the email continued.

The battle over DOGE access extends beyond the Labor Department. DOGE has aggressively sought control over Treasury Department systems, prompting a judge to impose temporary limits on data-sharing outside the department.

DOGE has also seized access at USAID and the Office of Personnel Management, triggering high-profile resignations from officials opposed to its actions.