The Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) has officially opened an investigation into possible unauthorized access to sensitive federal student loan data by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
This decision follows a formal request from Senator Elizabeth Warren and several Democratic lawmakers, who raised concerns about DOGE’s growing influence inside the Education Department.
Why the Investigation Matters
The Federal Student Aid (FSA) office manages the nation’s $1.6 trillion student loan portfolio. According to lawmakers, DOGE may have had access to critical borrower information, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Income data
- Other personal records stored in the National Student Loan Data System
Sen. Warren warned that millions of Americans could be at risk if their private details were mishandled.
“The American people deserve to know if Elon Musk’s DOGE team had access to personal Social Security numbers and income data,” Warren told ABC News.
White House and Court Response
The Trump administration has defended DOGE’s role, claiming it is both legal and effective. Last month, an appeals court ruling allowed DOGE limited access to sensitive federal data, including Education Department systems.
The White House praised the decision, calling DOGE’s results “historic” and proof of President Trump’s government overhaul efforts.
Lawmakers Demand Accountability
Senator Ben Ray Luján joined Warren in demanding a full review:
“The Department of Education must protect student borrowers’ sensitive data. I’m thankful the Inspector General has listened and will launch this probe. Americans deserve accountability.”
The Inspector General confirmed the review will start “shortly” and will coordinate with the Government Accountability Office (GAO). However, no timeline for a final report has been announced.
Staffing Cuts Add More Concerns
The investigation comes as the Education Department faces major staff cuts, with nearly half of its workforce reduced under Secretary Linda McMahon. Hundreds of employees from the Federal Student Aid office have already been dismissed.
Senator Warren has strongly opposed these cuts, warning they could harm students seeking access to higher education. Her Save Our Schools campaign, launched earlier this year, aims to stop what she calls a “reckless dismantling” of the Education Department.
What Happens Next?
The Department of Education watchdog’s probe will focus on how DOGE gained access to critical student loan data and whether proper security measures were followed.
If violations are found, the investigation could reshape federal data privacy policies and add new hurdles for DOGE’s role in government operations
