Dude, Where's My Personal Data?

• Who is affected?
• How to submit an FOIA request
• FAQ
• FOIA Request Template

On January 20th, 2025, Trump established DOGE via an executive order, appointing Elon Musk to lead an initiative aimed at overhauling federal operations. Since then, DOGE has been given unprecedented levels of access to federal databases with little to no oversight. What data do they have? What are they doing with it? And how else are they protecting it from further unauthorized access? Check out the table below to see if you were affected.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified as 5 U.S.C. § 552, is a cornerstone of U.S. federal transparency law. Enacted in 1966 and effective from July 4, 1967, FOIA grants the public the right to access records from any federal executive branch agency. Its primary aim is to ensure an informed citizenry, which is vital for the functioning of a democratic society.

• Social Security Administration (SSA)

• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

• Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

• Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

• General Services Administration (GSA)

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

• National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)

FAQs

● What fees may be involved in an FOIA request?There is no initial fee to submit an FOIA request, but agencies may charge for their labor. However, you can request a fee waiver if the request serves the public interest and is not being used primarily for commercial gains. The template below includes language for requesting the fee be waived.●Is DOGE exempt from FOIA requests?NO. In the case American Oversight v. DOGE, a federal judges ruled that DOGE must release records under the Freedom of Information Act. Despite the ruling, which was delivered in March 2025, DOGE has yet to comply, instead offering vague and evasive responses. Concerns persist regarding DOGE's use of encrypted messaging apps like Signal, which may hinder proper record keeping.●My original request and subsequent appeal have been denied. What do I do now?You can pursue litigation, either on your own or as part of a class action lawsuit.Multiple class actions, filed against DOGE for their alleged violation of the Privacy Act of 1974, are either pending certification or currently ongoing. Utilize ClassAction.org to keep informed about developments in these cases and for opportunities to opt-in to class actions you qualify as a plaintiff for.●Can I be retaliated against by the Trump organization for submitting an FOIA request against DOGE?NO. You cannot legally be retaliated against by the Trump Organization - or any private party - for submitting an FOIA request to a federal agency. FOIA is a protected legal right. If any individual or entity were to intimidate or threaten you in connection to an FOIA request, you may be protected under:-Federal witness tampering laws (18 U.S.C. § 1512
-state anti-harassment laws
-whistleblower protections if retaliation occurs in a workplace setting

FOIA REQUEST TEMPLATE

Replace the highlighted/italicized text with your request specific information.[Full Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]FOIA Officer
[Agency Name]
[Agency Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]Subject: Freedom of Information Act RequestDear FOIA Officer,Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. § 552, I hereby request access to the following records:Description of Requested Records:Include description of the specific records that may have been accessed. This may differ depending on how you've been affected and what agency you are submitting to. For example, when submitting to the SSA include that you are a current beneficiary (or, if past beneficiary, include the time period in which you were a beneficiary) and only the last four digits of your SSN. Read any agency specific requirements by visiting that agencies FOIA page above.I am seeking any and all records, logs, reports, communications, or documentation related to data access by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including but not limited to:- Logs detailing DOGE’s access to my personal records.
- Records of data accessed by DOGE personnel, including dates, times, and nature of the data.
- Communications between DOGE and [Agency Name] regarding data access permissions, protocols, or activities.
- Any audits, assessments, or evaluations concerning DOGE’s data access activities.This request encompasses records from January 20, 2025, to the present.I request that the information be provided in electronic format, preferably via email.Fee Waiver Request:I request a waiver of all fees associated with this request under 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(A)(iii). Disclosure of the requested information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government and is not primarily in my commercial interest.Access to this information will enhance transparency and allow citizens to better understand governmental actions and decisions that affect the public. Ensuring such transparency is fundamental to a functioning democracy and enables informed public discourse.If you have any questions regarding this request, please contact me at [Your Email Address].Thank you for your consideration.Sincerely,[Your Full Name]