State That Exposed 1.3 Million Social Security Numbers and Medical Records Now Concerned About Elon Musk’s Data Access

A coalition of state attorneys general is raising concerns over Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) gaining access to sensitive financial and personal data, following a major data breach that exposed Social Security numbers and medical records of 1.3 million residents.

The controversy centers around the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s decision to grant DOGE access to key financial systems, sparking fears that Americans’ private data could be further compromised. Officials have reassured the public that Musk’s team only has “read-only access” to Treasury payment systems, but critics argue that even limited access could pose a security risk.

The Data Breach That Started It All

In early 2025, a massive data breach leaked the Social Security numbers and medical records of 1.3 million residents. The breach raised alarms over data security and privacy protection, particularly in government agencies handling personal information. The affected state, which has yet to be officially named, has been scrambling to contain the damage, working with cybersecurity experts to assess the breach’s full impact.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has confirmed that the leak involved information from Medicare and Medicaid systems. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have since launched an internal investigation. (HHS.gov)

Why Are Officials Concerned About Musk’s Access?

DOGE, the Musk-led initiative focused on streamlining government operations, has reportedly obtained access to financial and contracting systems at CMS. While the Treasury Department insists that Musk’s team does not have control over government payments, officials from multiple states, including Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey, argue that the move sets a dangerous precedent.

Frey and 11 other state attorneys general have condemned DOGE’s role in handling sensitive government operations, calling the initiative an “unlawful, unprecedented, and unacceptable” violation of privacy laws. In a joint statement, they criticized the government’s decision to provide access without adequate oversight. (Maine.gov)

Legal Challenges and Government Response

Amid growing concerns, labor unions and civil liberties groups have filed lawsuits to block DOGE from accessing federal financial and labor department data. The lawsuits, filed in Washington, D.C., aim to prevent unauthorized access to Social Security records, payroll data, and other personal information stored in government systems.

A U.S. District Court judge has issued a temporary injunction preventing DOGE from accessing certain records, pending further review. The Department of Justice has stated that DOGE has not yet accessed personal data, but privacy advocates remain skeptical. (Justice.gov)

Treasury’s Reassurances and Public Skepticism

The U.S. Treasury Department has defended its decision, stating that Musk’s team was granted access solely for efficiency improvements and that no payments, including Social Security and Medicare disbursements, have been disrupted. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the access and Musk’s role has fueled bipartisan criticism in Congress.

House Democrats have pushed for a security probe into Musk’s involvement, questioning the level of oversight provided. (House.gov)

How Residents Can Protect Their Data?

For those worried about identity theft following the breach, cybersecurity experts recommend taking the following steps:

1. Freeze Your Credit – A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. It can be set up through major credit bureaus like Experian (Experian.com), Equifax (Equifax.com), and TransUnion (TransUnion.com).
2. Monitor Financial Statements – Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Secure your online accounts with MFA to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Check Your Social Security Benefits – Review your Social Security records for any suspicious activity through the Social Security Administration (SSA.gov).

What’s Next?

The legal battle over DOGE’s access to federal financial data is expected to escalate in the coming months. Meanwhile, lawmakers and privacy advocates continue to push for greater transparency and stricter regulations on government data access.

As the case unfolds, millions of Americans are left wondering whether their personal information is truly secure, and whether the federal government is doing enough to protect it from unauthorized access—even by those claiming to improve efficiency.

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