CT – Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced that Connecticut joins lawsuit coalition of 13 attorneys general against Elon Musk’s newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The lawsuit challenges DOGE’s access to federal payment systems, citing privacy concerns and potential disruption of critical public assistance programs.
Concerns Over Sensitive Data Access
The legal action stems from a recent decision by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, granting DOGE access to federal payment systems that handle transactions for programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and childcare subsidies. Attorney General Tong and his counterparts argue that this move violates constitutional protections and risks exposing sensitive personal data.
“The President does not have the power to give away our private information to anyone he chooses, and he cannot cut federal payments approved by Congress,” Tong stated in a press release.
DOGE, which Musk describes as an initiative to eliminate government inefficiency, has been tasked with auditing federal expenditures and eliminating wasteful spending. However, critics claim its true objective is to control government payouts and potentially limit funding for key social programs.
Legal Action to Protect Residents
The lawsuit, filed by Connecticut and 12 other states including New York, California, and Maryland, argues that allowing DOGE access to federal payments is “unlawful, unprecedented, and unacceptable.”
Legal experts warn that DOGE’s authority over federal transactions could lead to:
- Disruptions in social security and Medicare payments
- Potential misuse of Americans’ personal financial data
- Delays in federal funding for healthcare, education, and housing programs
Consumer advocacy groups and labor unions have also voiced opposition, warning that Musk’s involvement in federal financial oversight could lead to privatization efforts or reduced funding for public programs.
Political and Public Reactions
Musk, responding on social media, dismissed the lawsuit as politically motivated, stating that DOGE aims to “cut waste and optimize taxpayer dollars.” Supporters of DOGE argue that federal spending inefficiencies cost taxpayers billions annually and require oversight.
However, many officials remain skeptical. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) voiced concerns that DOGE could become a vehicle for political interference in government assistance programs.
“This is about protecting Americans from a blatant overreach of power”
Senator Richard Blumenthal said.
Next Steps
The attorneys general have filed their case in federal court, seeking an injunction to block DOGE’s access to payment systems while the case proceeds. The lawsuit could set a precedent on whether the federal government can delegate such oversight to a non-traditional agency.
Connecticut residents who rely on federal benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, or housing assistance are urged to monitor developments closely. Legal experts expect the case to be contested in the coming months, potentially reaching the Supreme Court if appeals are filed.
