In a recent development, a whistleblower has drawn attention to the DOGE team’s alleged actions regarding data related to union organizing and labor complaints, suggesting potential attempts to conceal their activities. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass., has reached out to Microsoft, requesting information about a Microsoft-owned website hosting code designed to remove data from a database used by the National Labor Relations Board. The whistleblower disclosed attempts to obstruct oversight and delete system logs, raising concerns about data security breaches.

Efforts by House Democrats and government watchdogs have intensified following the whistleblower’s disclosure and NPR’s exclusive reporting on data breaches at the NLRB. The disclosure involves about 10 gigabytes of data leaving the agency’s internal system, prompting investigations and requests for further information. DOGE engineer Jordan Wick’s GitHub account revealed a project named “NxGenBdoorExtract,” hinting at potential backdoor activities into the NLRB’s system.

Despite inquiries, Wick has not responded to NPR’s requests for comment. In response to the disclosure, DOGE assigned two staffers to the NLRB shortly after the news broke. House Oversight Democrats, lacking subpoena power without Republican approval, have sought investigations by watchdogs at the NLRB and Labor Department. The Congressional Labor Caucus and over 50 House Democrats have also expressed concerns and requested more information on DOGE’s activities at the NLRB.

The situation has prompted calls for accountability and protection of workers’ rights amid fears of potential privacy violations and retaliation against union activities. The NLRB inspector general’s office has initiated an inquiry into the allegations, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for thorough investigations to safeguard sensitive data and uphold legal protections for workers.