The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has sparked controversy after allegations that it may have tampered with sensitive labor data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Following whistleblower Daniel Berulis’s disclosure, DOGE representatives met with NLRB officials and requested access to agency operations, prompting concerns among employees about the handling of data.

Despite NLRB officials denying DOGE access to their systems, Berulis’s disclosure to Congress revealed evidence of DOGE’s activities, including the creation and deletion of an account in NLRB’s cloud systems. This raises questions about the protection of personal information and trade secrets stored in the NLRB’s systems, which are safeguarded by federal laws.

The involvement of Elon Musk, head of DOGE and owner of companies with cases before the NLRB, adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Calls for investigations into DOGE’s activities have been made by U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, who expressed concerns about potential technological malfeasance and illegal activities.

The situation highlights broader issues surrounding DOGE’s access to personal and financial data across the federal government, with ongoing court cases questioning the transparency and compliance of such access with privacy and cybersecurity regulations. The NLRB employees are on edge, fearing the implications of DOGE’s involvement and potential mishandling of sensitive information.

This escalating controversy underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to data protection laws to ensure the integrity and security of government data systems.