We, the undersigned, hereby express our grave concern over the unauthorized access to our personal data and treasury resources through the payment system managed by Elon Musk’s team. This breach represents a serious violation of our privacy rights and financial security.

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I. Statement of Concerns

A. Unauthorized Data Access  
 Lack of Consent:
  At no time did we authorize or consent to any third party—including Elon Musk, his associates, or affiliated personnel—to access our personal information. Our data is private, and its exposure without our permission is wholly unacceptable.

 Violation of Rights:
  The unauthorized access to our personal and financial information constitutes an infringement of our fundamental right to privacy and data protection. Every individual has the right to control who can view and use their personal data.

B. Additional Breaches Involving DOGE Employees  
It has come to our attention that six employees of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have unlawfully accessed our treasury resources.

These individuals were recruited primarily for their technical expertise and innovative approaches, qualities that were asserted by Elon Musk as essential for transforming federal operations.

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II. Alleged Legal Violations

The actions detailed herein appear to constitute multiple legal violations, including:

- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) Violations:  
  The unauthorized access to computer systems and sensitive data—including personal and financial information—may be in direct contravention of 18 U.S.C. § 1030, which criminalizes hacking and unauthorized computer access.

- Privacy Act of 1974 Violations:  
  The unlawful collection and exposure of personal data maintained by government agencies infringes upon the protections established under the Privacy Act of 1974.

- Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) Violations:  
  By bypassing established security protocols, the breach compromises federal mandates to protect information systems and maintain robust cybersecurity measures.

- Criminal Acts of Unauthorized Computer Access and Data Misappropriation:  
  These breaches potentially constitute criminal computer hacking, data theft, identity fraud, and conspiracy to commit fraud.

- Potential State-Level Data Breach and Privacy Law Violations:  
  The unauthorized access and dissemination of personal data may also violate various state-specific laws designed to protect individual privacy.

Legal references: U.S. Code 18 U.S.C. § 1030, the Privacy Act of 1974, and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act.

Media and news sources

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Treasury Department confirmed that its payment systems' access by representatives associated with Elon Musk's DOGE initiative is "read only." This announcement follows concerns from Democratic lawmakers and former Treasury officials regarding unusual access to sensitive systems that handle extensive payments. The Treasury stated it is assessing operational efficiency without having suspended or rejected any payment instructions. The situation raised alarms after the abrupt retirement of a top career official and the appointment of new employees affiliated with DOGE.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/treasury-department-says-doge-access-is-read-only-2563712d

The article from POLITICO discusses legal concerns surrounding Elon Musk's initiative, DOGE, which is attempting to gain access to sensitive federal data, particularly within the Treasury Department. Legal experts warn that this access poses significant risks to personal and financial information, potentially violating the Privacy Act and cybersecurity laws. A lawsuit has already been filed by federal employee unions against the Trump administration for sharing payment information with DOGE.

Musk's efforts to dissolve the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and take control of the Treasury's payment database have raised alarms, with experts fearing a data breach of unprecedented scale. Concerns also extend to improper access to sensitive tax data, with critics highlighting a lack of adherence to security protocols. The article notes the ongoing legal implications and calls from Democrats for congressional oversight regarding changes to USAID. The situation remains fluid, with several legal battles anticipated as the administration's actions unfold.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/03/doge-treasury-usaid-donald-trump-011538

Three federal employee unions have filed a lawsuit against the Treasury Department, accusing Secretary Scott Bessent of unlawfully granting Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) access to sensitive data. They claim this access violates federal laws designed to protect personal and financial information. The lawsuit alleges that Bessent removed a Bureau of the Fiscal Service employee who had previously denied DOGE access and subsequently provided complete access to DOGE staff. The unions argue this unprecedented intrusion into privacy is improper and illegal. The White House has stated that Musk complied with all applicable federal laws. President Trump noted that Musk’s role was to identify wasteful government spending and assured that any actions taken would be subject to presidential approval.

https://www.businessinsider.com/union-groups-sue-accuse-treasury-giving-doge-access-data-2025-2

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III. Demands for Immediate Action

In light of these serious concerns, we demand the following:

1. Immediate Investigation:  
   Initiate a thorough inquiry to determine the extent of the breach, identify the security failures that allowed it, and outline clear steps to prevent future violations.

2. Legal Accountability: 
   Hold Elon Musk, his team, the implicated DOGE employees , accountable for their roles in this breach.

3. Class Action Lawsuit:  
   Consider the initiation of a class action lawsuit to protect the rights of all affected individuals.

4. Enhanced Data and Financial Safeguards:  
   Implement robust measures to secure personal data and treasury assets, ensuring that unauthorized access is prevented in the future.

 

 IV. Call to Action

We urge the appropriate legal authorities to:

- Launch a comprehensive investigation** into the unauthorized access of our personal data and treasury resources.
- Hold those responsible accountable for their actions, ensuring that our privacy and financial security are upheld.
- Enforce stricter cybersecurity measures to protect against future breaches.

We invite all individuals who value their right to privacy and the protection of their financial assets to join us in demanding accountability and safeguarding our fundamental rights.

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*Note: This petition is intended for public and legal discourse. Affected parties are advised to seek independent legal counsel to verify the claims and language used herein prior to initiating any legal action.*

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Sources

- U.S. Code 18 U.S.C. § 1030 (Computer Fraud and Abuse Act)  
- Privacy Act of 1974  
- Federal Information Security Modernization Act

(For additional legal references, please consult official legal resources or governmental websites.)

Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was established by President Donald Trump in early 2025 to modernize federal technology, maximize productivity, and cut unnecessary regulations and spending. Elon Musk was a key figure in DOGE, having proposed the idea to Trump in 2024. He served as the department’s leader for about 130 days, from early 2025 until late May 2025. Musk’s leadership was high-profile and controversial, focusing on rapid reforms and cost-cutting.

Sources:
White House Executive Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/establishing-and-implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency/
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Government_Efficiency
Harvard Kennedy School: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/public-finance/what-awaits-department-government-efficiency-hks
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/30/nx-s1-5415641/musk-leaves-doge-what-comes-next
ABC News: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elon-musks-government-dismantling-fight-stop/story?id=118576033

DOGE aimed to identify and eliminate wasteful government spending, modernize IT systems, and streamline federal operations. The department sought public input for ideas to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. After Musk left in late May 2025, DOGE continued its work without his direct involvement.

Sources:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Department_of_Government_Efficiency
White House Executive Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/establishing-and-implementing-the-presidents-department-of-government-efficiency/
DOGE on X (Twitter): https://x.com/doge
NPR: https://www.npr.org/2025/06/16/nx-s1-5431926/doge-future-elon-musk

DOGE maintains a website (https://doge.gov and is active on social media. The department is committed to transparency, publishing receipts and savings data.

Sources:
DOGE official site: https://doge.gov
DOGE on X (Twitter): https://x.com/doge
DOGE Savings Page: https://doge.gov/savings

Musk’s involvement brought significant attention and controversy. The department is expected to continue its mission of government reform and efficiency.

Sources:
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c23vkd57471o
Harvard Kennedy School: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/public-finance/what-awaits-department-government-efficiency-hks

Edward Coristine (“Big Balls”)

Edward Coristine, also known as "Big Balls," was a 19-year-old high-profile operative for DOGE and previously worked for Path Networks and CISA/DHS. He was fired from Path Networks for allegedly leaking internal secrets. In August 2025, Coristine was assaulted during an attempted carjacking in Washington, D.C., sustaining serious injuries but reportedly preventing the carjacking. He has since joined the Social Security Administration.

Sources:
Nextgov/FCW: https://www.nextgov.com/cybersecurity/2025/02/doge-employee-edward-coristine-lands-cisa-dhs-email/403126/
New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/24/us/politics/big-balls-edward-coristine-musk-doge.html
Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/05/trump-administration-staffer-known-as-big-balls-assaulted-in-dc-00494990
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Coristine
Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/edward-coristine-big-balls-doge-attacked-washington-dc-donald-trump-2109443
WIRED: https://www.wired.com/story/edward-coristine-big-balls-assaulted-alleged-carjacking/