The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) brought this lawsuit against the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), alleging violations of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The dispute arose after the ACLU submitted FOIA requests to over 40 federal agencies seeking information about the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to sensitive personal data. While many agencies complied or granted expedited processing, SSA denied expedited processing and did not respond to an appeal, and the VA failed to respond altogether. Neither agency released records in response to the ACLU’s requests. The lawsuit claims that both agencies unlawfully withheld records, failed to conduct proper searches, and ignored statutory obligations under FOIA. The ACLU asks the court to compel expedited processing, require the release of responsive documents, prohibit the agencies from charging fees, and award attorneys’ fees.
On June 26, 2026, the ACLU withdrew its Motion for a Preliminary Injunction.
