AFT President condemns data breach revealing improper Social Security sharing

Justice Department's Filing Exposes Data Sharing Controversy

The Justice Department has disclosed in a recent court filing that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) improperly shared private Social Security Administration data. This revelation comes amid ongoing legal action initiated by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, who filed a lawsuit in February 2025 to prevent DOGE from accessing sensitive personal information.

Privacy Breach and Legal Action

In response to this disclosure, AFT President Randi Weingarten stated, "The Trump administration’s admission that DOGE improperly shared sensitive Social Security data confirms our worst fears. We have argued in court that giving unelected billionaires permission to hijack our private data jeopardizes Americans’ personal and financial security. The courts were concerned we didn’t have proof, just fear. Now the government has revealed our fears were justified."

Weingarten expressed further concern over the breach of trust, emphasizing, "They broke a basic bond of trust and put Americans’ futures at risk. Everyone who receives Social Security has contributed to it, and we will continue fighting to ensure the government upholds its end of the bargain. Americans should be allowed to retire with dignity and grace, not in fear that their sensitive information will be exposed."

About AFT

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) represents 1.8 million members, including pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals, higher education faculty and staff, government employees, healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.