Washington, D.C. – A major controversy is unfolding as Elon Musk’s government initiative, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), faces allegations of illegally accessing student loan records. The move has sparked fears that the privacy of millions of borrowers may have been compromised, possibly violating federal law.
What Happened?
DOGE, a special department formed under President Trump’s administration, aimed to eliminate waste and inefficiency in government operations. As part of this effort, reports indicate DOGE attempted to access student loan data to “streamline” the forgiveness process. However, legal experts warn this could be a serious breach of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a law that protects student information.
Did DOGE Break the Law?
Under FERPA, student records—including loan details—can’t be shared without permission. While government agencies can sometimes access data for specific purposes, critics argue DOGE went too far. The situation has now led to a legal battle, with a federal judge in Washington, D.C., stepping in to temporarily block DOGE from accessing student loan files.
The University of California Student Association has also sued, accusing the Department of Education of allowing DOGE to act unlawfully. Privacy advocates say this case could have huge consequences for how student data is handled in the future.
Misinformation is Spreading
As the scandal grows, misleading claims are flooding social media. Some users have suggested that filing a FERPA complaint could lead to student loan forgiveness. However, experts have debunked this theory, clarifying that while a FERPA violation is serious, it does not result in loan cancellation.
What This Means for Borrowers
For now, student loan borrowers should remain alert about how their personal information is being used. The case highlights the need for transparency in government efforts to reform loan policies while ensuring privacy protections remain intact.
As court proceedings continue, the final decision could set a major precedent for student data privacy. One thing is clear: this controversy is far from over.
