DOGE staffer who shared Treasury data now has more access to government systems

Npr - Mar 31st, 2025
Open on Npr

Marko Elez, a former Department of Labor employee who resigned over racist tweets and improper data-sharing, has been rehired and granted access to sensitive data across multiple federal agencies, according to a recent court filing. The filing revealed Elez's new roles in the Department of Health and Human Services and other agencies, despite past violations that included unauthorized data transmission. His reappointment is part of a broader Trump administration initiative aimed at modernizing government technology and reducing inefficiencies, though it has sparked legal challenges over potential data misuse.

The case underscores broader concerns about the DOGE entity within the White House, as its staffers hold significant access to sensitive federal databases, raising questions about privacy and data protection. Legal actions spearheaded by labor unions and nonprofits have sought transparency and accountability regarding these appointments. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between federal data access initiatives and privacy laws, with implications for government transparency and citizen privacy rights. Notably, recent court rulings have both restricted DOGE's activities and highlighted the need for further investigation into its operations.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a detailed account of a complex situation involving Marko Elez, the DOGE entity, and sensitive data access at federal agencies. It scores well in timeliness and public interest, addressing current and relevant issues of government transparency and data security. However, the article's balance and source quality could be improved by including more diverse perspectives and direct source material. While the narrative is generally clear, the structure could benefit from better organization and transitions. The story's potential impact and engagement are somewhat limited by its one-sided portrayal, but it remains a significant piece in terms of raising awareness and prompting discussions about government accountability and data privacy.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story makes several factual claims, such as Marko Elez's resignation over racist tweets, his rehiring, and subsequent data access at federal agencies. These claims are generally consistent with the known facts, but some details require verification. For instance, the article states that Elez was granted access to sensitive databases, which aligns with the reported court filings. However, the nature and extent of his access, and whether he violated any specific federal laws, need further confirmation. The mention of U.S. District Judge John Bates' rulings also appears accurate but would benefit from additional context regarding the legal proceedings. Overall, while the story presents a coherent narrative, some elements require further corroboration to ensure full accuracy.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the actions and implications surrounding Marko Elez and the DOGE entity. It presents a critical perspective on Elez's rehiring and data access, reflecting concerns about data security and legal compliance. However, it lacks a balanced view by not providing responses or perspectives from Elez, DOGE, or the agencies involved. The absence of counterarguments or justifications from these parties leads to a somewhat one-sided portrayal. Including more diverse viewpoints would enhance the article's balance, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its presentation of events, detailing the sequence from Elez's resignation to his rehiring and data access. However, the structure could be improved by organizing information more logically, such as grouping related legal proceedings and data access details together. The language is straightforward, but the narrative could benefit from clearer transitions between different sections of the story. Overall, while the article is understandable, refining its structure and flow would enhance clarity.

5
Source quality

The article references court filings and mentions several judges and agencies, which are credible sources. However, it does not directly cite these documents or provide links to them, limiting the ability to verify the information independently. Additionally, the lack of direct quotes or statements from involved parties, such as Elez or DOGE representatives, diminishes the article's source quality. More robust sourcing, including interviews or official statements, would strengthen the article's reliability.

6
Transparency

The article provides a general overview of the situation involving Marko Elez and DOGE but lacks transparency in its sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was obtained or whether attempts were made to reach out to Elez or DOGE for comments. The lack of explicit source attribution and methodology explanation affects the article's transparency. Providing more context about the sources and the process of gathering information would improve transparency and help readers understand the basis of the claims.

Sources

  1. https://techcrunch.com/2025/03/17/doge-staffer-violated-treasury-rules-by-emailing-unencrypted-personal-data/
  2. https://www.pymnts.com/news/security-and-risk/2025/doge-staffer-reportedly-broke-treasury-data-sharing-rules/
  3. https://cyberscoop.com/doge-violated-security-policies-treasury-court-filing/
  4. https://fortune.com/2025/03/17/doge-staffer-marko-elez-treasury-policy-personal-data-trump-officials/