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Feb 9, 2026 DOJ tracked and displayed congressional members' Epstein file search records Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The Justice Department monitored which Epstein documents individual lawmakers searched and used that intelligence during a congressional oversight hearing, raising separation-of-powers concerns.
Supporting reports
- DOJ established controlled in-person review system for congressional Epstein files access — The Department of Justice opened an in-person review facility in Washington on February 9, 2026, allowing members of Congress to search unredacted Epstein records under tight controls on access and note-taking. This was the sole mechanism established for congressional review of unredacted files following passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in late 2025, which required DOJ to release unclassified Epstein-related records. The DOJ controlled all variables of the review process, including which files could be accessed, how searches were conducted, and what records were kept of congressional activity.
- DOJ tracked congressional searches in Epstein files review system — Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared at a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on February 11, 2026, carrying a printed document labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" that detailed Rep. Pramila Jayapal's searches within the DOJ's controlled, members-only review system for unredacted Epstein records. A Reuters photographer captured the document. The DOJ had established the in-person review system on February 9, 2026, as the sole mechanism for congressional access to unredacted Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The revelation suggests the DOJ monitored lawmakers' investigative activity and used that intelligence during the oversight hearing itself.
- DOJ surveilled House member's access to Epstein files — During Attorney General Bondi's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, a photograph captured by Reuters showed a page of Bondi's briefing book with a printout titled "Jayapal Pramila Search History," appearing to be files showing what Representative Pramila Jayapal accessed after the DOJ made some Epstein files available at DOJ offices. This represents executive branch surveillance of a legislative branch member's document access. Representative Jamie Raskin, top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said he will ask for an investigation of this "outrageous abuse of power."
- Ranking Member Raskin requested DOJ Inspector General investigation into congressional surveillance — House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin formally requested that the DOJ Inspector General investigate the DOJ's apparent surveillance of lawmakers' searches in the Epstein files review system. Raskin stated he had "reason to believe that it was happening to everyone," not just Rep. Jayapal. He also called for the DOJ to immediately stop tracking member searches, open Epstein file review to senior congressional staff, and publicly release all remaining files with only survivor information properly redacted.
- Rep. Jayapal organized formal congressional letter demanding investigation into surveillance — Rep. Pramila Jayapal organized a formal congressional letter demanding an investigation into what she characterized as improper surveillance of Congress by the DOJ. Jayapal also raised the question of whether the DOJ's decision to open the Epstein files to congressional review two days early was intended to allow the DOJ to surveil members' searches and anticipate their questions for the oversight hearing.
- DOJ tracked congressional members' Epstein files research and displayed search records at hearing — During a House oversight hearing on Wednesday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi displayed a document titled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" showing which Epstein files Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal had accessed. The DOJ confirmed it monitors all Epstein file searches by lawmakers on its systems. Congressional members, including Jamie Raskin and Jayapal, alleged the tracking violates separation of powers and constitutes surveillance designed to anticipate questions and gather intelligence on their investigative activities.
- DOJ surveilled Congress members' search history of Epstein files — Multiple members of Congress confirmed that the Department of Justice tracked and monitored which Epstein documents members of Congress searched, opened, and reviewed, including timestamps. Rep. Pramila Jayapal reported that AG Bondi presented her with a printed search history of her email searches. Rep. Nancy Mace confirmed the DOJ was tagging all documents searched by members and that timestamps were associated with the tracking. Speaker Mike Johnson stated he was investigating the allegations.
- DOJ monitored congressional search history in Epstein files review system — Attorney General Pam Bondi carried a printed document labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" into a House Judiciary oversight hearing, revealing that the Department of Justice had tracked which Epstein-related files Rep. Pramila Jayapal searched within DOJ's controlled, members-only review system. The executive branch collected intelligence on the legislative branch's investigation of the executive branch. Rep. Jamie Raskin called the practice Orwellian and requested a DOJ Inspector General investigation; Rep. Jayapal is organizing a congressional letter demanding answers.
- Racist video of Obamas posted on Trump's Truth Social account — A racist video depicting the Obamas as apes appeared on President Trump's official Truth Social account. The video was removed, but Trump refused to apologize and claimed a staffer posted it without review. The incident occurred on an official presidential account.
Aug 12, 2025 Federal appeals court ruled the Department of Government Efficiency can access sensitive federal data including Social Security numbers and citizenship status Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The ruling raises privacy concerns and enables potential misuse of confidential personal information across federal agencies.
Supporting reports
- Federal appeals court ruled DOGE can access sensitive federal data — A federal appeals court ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) can access sensitive data from federal agencies, including Social Security numbers and citizenship status of individuals.
Jun 6, 2025 The Supreme Court allowed DOGE to access Social Security records during ongoing litigation Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
The order widened executive access to sensitive personal data while privacy and legality challenges remain unresolved.
Supporting reports
- US Supreme Court Allows Doge Access to Social Security Data — The US Supreme Court lifted an injunction, allowing the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to access sensitive records from the Social Security Administration during ongoing legal challenges. The decision, supported by the conservative majority, permits Doge, a team led by Elon Musk, to access data to target alleged waste and fraud. The ruling faced dissent from the court's liberal justices and opposition from labor unions and advocacy groups concerned about privacy violations. The case continues as opponents argue the access could lead to misuse of personal data.
- Motion granted — American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO v. Social Security Administration (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00596 — The Supreme Court granted a stay while the case is on appeal.
- Supreme Court Grants Stay in Social Security Administration v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees — The Supreme Court granted a stay in the case of Social Security Administration v. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. This decision allows the Social Security Administration to proceed with its actions that were previously challenged by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. The stay was granted despite dissent from Justices Kagan, Sotomayor, and Jackson, indicating a division within the Court on this matter. The stay effectively pauses the lower court's ruling against the Social Security Administration, pending further litigation.
Mar 20, 2025 Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander issued a temporary restraining order blocking DOGE from accessing Social Security Administration data Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
A federal court limited an executive team's access to sensitive personal data on nearly 70 million beneficiaries, calling the effort a 'fishing expedition.'
Supporting reports
- Judge blocks Doge from accessing social security records — A federal judge has blocked Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) from accessing social security records. The judge described the effort as a "fishing expedition" in its search for fraud and waste. This ruling represents a judicial check on the Trump administration's attempts to scrutinize social security data.
- Federal judge blocked DOGE access to Social Security systems — A federal judge temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing Social Security systems, calling their efforts a "fishing expedition" and ordered the so-called agency to delete any personally identifiable data they may have.
- Judge blocks access to Social Security data — District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander blocked the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing data at the Social Security Administration and ordered the destruction of any personal information already accessed. The judge criticized the department's actions as a fishing expedition without concrete evidence of fraud.
- Judge blocks Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Social Security data — District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander issued a ruling blocking the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing data at the Social Security Administration and ordered the destruction of any personal information they had already accessed. The judge criticized the department's actions as a fishing expedition without concrete evidence of fraud.
- U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander issued temporary restraining order against Department of Government Efficiency access to Social Security Administration records — U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting Social Security Administration officials from sharing personally identifiable information (PII) with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Hollander found that DOGE was "essentially engaged in a fishing expedition at SSA, in search of a fraud epidemic, based on little more than suspicion" and had "never identified or articulated even a single reason for which the DOGE Team needs unlimited access to SSA's entire record systems." The order restricted DOGE's access to sensitive records while protecting the privacy of nearly 70 million Social Security beneficiaries.
- Federal court issues Temporary Restraining Order blocking DOGE access to Social Security Administration databases — On March 21, 2025, Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander granted a Temporary Restraining Order in a lawsuit filed by labor unions (AFSCME, AFL-CIO, and AFT) on February 21. The order prohibited the SSA, Acting Commissioner Dudek, and then-CIO Russo from granting DOGE members or "any person assigned to SSA to fulfill the DOGE agenda" access to SSA systems containing personally identifiable information of millions of Americans. The lawsuit alleged that DOGE officials were accessing sensitive personal data in violation of the Privacy Act and federal law.
Mar 18, 2025 Trump signed executive orders on state and local preparedness, federal procurement consolidation, and information sharing among agencies Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
A cluster of executive orders restructured federal emergency management, procurement authority, and inter-agency data access, concentrating administrative control.
Supporting reports
- Executive Order on State and Local Preparedness — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14239, titled "Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness," on March 18, 2025. The order empowers state and local governments to enhance national resilience and preparedness, emphasizing infrastructure prioritization and strategic investments. It mandates the development of a National Resilience Strategy and a National Risk Register, and calls for reviews of existing policies to streamline federal preparedness operations.
- White House issued Executive Order 14239 on state and local preparedness and federal resilience policy — The White House signed Executive Order 14239 directing a comprehensive review and restructuring of federal preparedness, resilience, and continuity policies. The order mandates the National Security Advisor coordinate development of a National Resilience Strategy (90 days), review critical infrastructure policies (180 days), national continuity policies (180 days), and preparedness and response policies (240 days), and establish a National Risk Register (240 days). The order states it aims to shift federal policy from an "all-hazards approach" to "risk-informed" decision-making and to empower state and local governments in infrastructure and preparedness decisions.
- White House issued fact sheet on executive order for state and local disaster preparedness — The White House published a fact sheet on March 18, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs a shift in federal disaster preparedness policy from an "all-hazards" to a "risk-informed" approach, establishes a National Resilience Strategy and National Risk Register, and calls for review and modernization of federal infrastructure, continuity, and preparedness policies. The fact sheet states the order aims to reduce federal complexity and empower state and local governments in emergency response.
- Trump issues executive order on state and local preparedness — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Achieving Efficiency Through State and Local Preparedness" on March 19, 2025. The order aims to enhance national security and resilience by empowering state and local governments to take a more active role in infrastructure preparedness. It mandates the development of a National Resilience Strategy and a National Risk Register, and calls for the review and revision of existing federal policies related to critical infrastructure and national continuity. The order emphasizes reducing federal complexity and increasing efficiency in preparedness operations.
- Executive Order on Eliminating Information Silos — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14243 to eliminate information silos within federal agencies. The order mandates agency heads to ensure full access to unclassified records for detecting waste, fraud, and abuse. It requires rescinding or modifying guidance that hinders data sharing and mandates a review of classified information policies. The order aims to enhance inter-agency data sharing and improve government efficiency.
- Executive Order on Procurement Consolidation — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14240 to consolidate federal procurement under the General Services Administration (GSA). This order aims to eliminate waste and duplication by centralizing procurement of common goods and services, allowing agencies to focus on their core missions. The order mandates agency heads to submit proposals for GSA-led procurement and designates the GSA Administrator as the executive agent for government-wide acquisition contracts for information technology.
- Executive Order to Eliminate Information Silos — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, aimed at eliminating information silos within federal agencies to combat waste, fraud, and abuse. The order mandates agency heads to ensure federal officials have full access to unclassified agency records and data, promoting inter-agency data sharing. It requires the rescission or modification of agency guidance that hinders data sharing and mandates a review of classified information policies. The order also grants the Secretary of Labor access to unemployment data and supersedes prior orders that obstruct information sharing.
- Trump issues executive order to boost U.S. mineral production — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, aimed at increasing American mineral production. The order directs federal agencies to expedite permits and approvals for mineral production projects, prioritize mineral production on federal lands, and facilitate private and public capital investment in domestic mineral production. The order also involves the National Energy Dominance Council and the Department of Defense in identifying and developing mineral production sites. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign minerals and enhance national security.
- Trump issues executive order to consolidate federal procurement — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, aimed at consolidating federal procurement processes to eliminate waste and save taxpayer dollars. The order directs the General Services Administration (GSA) to centralize procurement of common goods and services across federal agencies, reducing duplication and inefficiencies. Agencies are required to submit proposals for GSA to handle their procurement within 60 days, and the GSA must present a comprehensive plan to the Office of Management and Budget within 90 days. This move is intended to streamline procurement and focus agencies on their core missions.
- Trump signed Executive Order 14241 to accelerate domestic mineral production through expedited permitting, federal land prioritization, and delegated Defense Production Act authority. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14241 on March 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to expedite permitting for mineral production projects, prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands, and delegate Defense Production Act authority to the Secretary of Defense and CEO of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The order waives certain DPA procedural requirements, instructs agencies to identify priority projects for immediate approval within 10 days, and mandates the Secretary of Interior to prioritize mineral production as a primary land use on federal lands holding mineral deposits. The order also directs the Secretary of Defense to facilitate private capital investment in domestic mineral projects and authorizes extended-use leases on federal lands for commercial mineral production enterprises.
- White House issues fact sheet on executive order directing agency data sharing to combat waste and fraud — The White House issued a fact sheet on March 20, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that directs agency heads to grant federal officials full access to unclassified agency records, data, and systems to identify waste, fraud, and abuse. The order authorizes intra- and inter-agency sharing of data, requires access to state program data receiving federal funding, and grants the Secretary of Labor access to unemployment data. The fact sheet states the order aims to eliminate duplicated efforts and undetected overpayments, citing figures of $236 billion in improper payments in fiscal 2023 and $2.7 trillion over 20 years.
- White House issues fact sheet on federal procurement consolidation executive order — The White House issued a fact sheet on March 20, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that directs consolidation of federal procurement for common goods and services within the General Services Administration (GSA). The order directs agency heads to submit consolidation proposals to GSA, instructs GSA and OMB to develop a comprehensive consolidation plan, and designates GSA as executive agent for government-wide acquisition contracts. The fact sheet claims the initiative could save approximately $50 billion annually through reduced spending and cites examples of past GSA savings on software licenses, band saw blades, televisions, and computers.
- White House signed Executive Order 14240 consolidating federal procurement in the General Services Administration — The White House issued Executive Order 14240 on March 20, 2025, directing the consolidation of domestic federal procurement functions into the General Services Administration (GSA). The order requires agency heads to submit proposals within 60 days for GSA to conduct procurement of common goods and services; the GSA Administrator must submit a comprehensive plan within 90 days; and the Director of OMB must designate the GSA Administrator as executive agent for government-wide information technology acquisition contracts within 30 days. The order states this consolidation will "eliminate waste and duplication" and allow agencies to focus on core missions.
- White House signed Executive Order 14243 directing federal agencies to eliminate information barriers and share unclassified data to identify waste, fraud, and abuse. — The White House issued Executive Order 14243 on March 20, 2025, directing all federal agency heads to remove barriers to inter- and intra-agency sharing of unclassified records, data, and IT systems. The order mandates that designated federal officials receive "full and prompt access" to agency data for purposes of identifying waste, fraud, and abuse. Within 30 days, agencies must rescind or modify guidance blocking data sharing and submit reports on regulations governing unclassified data access. The order also directs immediate access to unemployment data and state program data funded by the federal government, and requires a 45-day review of classified information policies.
Feb 24, 2025 Federal judge Deborah L. Boardman issued a temporary restraining order blocking Musk's DOGE team from accessing federal employee and student data Corroborated Institutions and Governance
The order restrained an unaccountable private team from accessing sensitive personal data of millions of Americans, citing privacy law.
Supporting reports
- Judge blocks Musk agency access to personal data — U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman issued a temporary restraining order preventing Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) from accessing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. The ruling stops the Department of Education and the Office of Personnel Management from sharing federal employees' and student borrowers' data with Doge, citing potential violations of federal privacy laws. This decision follows a lawsuit by federal employee unions, student loan recipients, and veterans, and represents a significant judicial check on Doge's activities since its establishment by a January executive order.
- Federal court issues injunction against DOGE — On February 24, 2025, a federal court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), preventing it from disclosing personally identifiable information of federal employees to the DOGE team. This decision followed a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions, which cited a report by Popular Information and Musk Watch. The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their claim that OPM's actions violated the Privacy Act. The TRO is set to expire on March 10, 2025, pending further court determination.
- Judge blocks data sharing with Musk's department — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management from sharing sensitive data with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. This decision addresses concerns about data privacy and security.
- Federal judge blocks Doge from accessing personal data — A federal judge temporarily blocked Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) from accessing sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. This decision challenges the Trump administration's efforts to downsize the federal government by limiting Doge's access to data maintained by the US education department and the US office of personnel management.
Feb 20, 2025 Federal judges blocked DOGE from accessing sensitive Treasury Department data pending further review Tier 1 · Primary Institutions and Governance
Judicial intervention limited DOGE's access to Treasury payment systems containing personal financial information.
Supporting reports
- Federal judges block DOGE from accessing Treasury data — At least two federal judges have blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive data from the Department of the Treasury. This action follows a lawsuit filed by Public Citizen on behalf of federal unions and a nonprofit organization, which argued that DOGE's access to such information would violate privacy rights. The Department of Justice agreed to restrict DOGE's access to Treasury data, except for two special employees who were granted limited access. One of these employees resigned after past racist social media posts were discovered.
- Preliminary injunction ruling — New York et al v. Donald J. Trump (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01144 — Judge Vargas granted a limited preliminary injunction, enjoining the Treasury Department from granting access to DOGE-affiliated individuals to any payment record, payment systems, or any other data systems maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees. The court noted that “a real possibility exists that sensitive information has already been shared outside of the Treasury Department, in potential violation of federal law.” The court ordered the Treasury Department to submit a report by March 24 including several forms of information and certifications including “the vetting and security clearances processes that members of the Treasury DOGE Team have undergone;” ”setting forth the legal authority pursuant to which each DOGE Team member was employed by or detailed to the Treasury Department;” and “explaining the reporting chains that govern the relationship between the DOGE Team members, USDS/DOGE, and Treasury leadership.”