Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., is calling for an investigation into the Department of Education's handling of sensitive student loan data. This request comes amid concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) alleged infiltration of the agency's internal federal student loan database.

In a letter obtained by ABC News, Warren expressed her frustration over the lack of transparency regarding DOGE's role within the Education Department. "The full extent of DOGE's role and influence at ED remains unknown," she stated. "This lack of clarity is not only frustrating for borrowers but also dangerous for the future of an agency that handles an extensive student loan portfolio and a range of federal aid programs for higher education."

The federal student aid systems manage a staggering $1.6 trillion in student loans for over 40 million borrowers. Warren emphasized the need for an independent investigation, stating, "The Department is refusing to tell Americans who's digging through their personal data and if their data is safe. I'm pushing for an independent investigation into what the Department of Education is hiding from us."

Warren, along with several Democratic senators, has accused the Education Department of not cooperating with her ongoing congressional investigation. They are particularly concerned about whether DOGE employees have accessed sensitive records. In their letter to Acting Inspector General René L. Rocque, they noted, "[The Education Department] further refused to disclose any information about the scope of DOGE's access to sensitive student borrower data, including whether or not DOGE was granted access to the National Student Loan Data System or any other database that holds sensitive federal student loan borrower data."

Earlier this year, billionaire Elon Musk and the DOGE team gained access to various federal agencies, with a mandate to reduce federal spending and potentially dismantle the Education Department. During a recent House Appropriations Committee hearing, Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that DOGE employees had the same access as any other agency staff. She described their work as a "solid audit" aimed at identifying waste, fraud, and abuse within the department.

Warren's concerns are heightened as she prepares for her first meeting with McMahon. She has submitted numerous questions regarding student loan repayment, forbearances, and access to student aid. In February, Warren initiated an investigation into DOGE's influence at the Education Department. However, the department's responses to her inquiries have been vague, particularly regarding the access privileges of DOGE employees.

The department claimed it could not provide specific answers due to ongoing litigations. Warren's letter highlighted that these responses did not alleviate concerns about borrowers' privacy or potential violations of federal procedures in handling sensitive data.

In April, Warren launched her "Save Our Schools" campaign in opposition to the administration's efforts to dismantle the Education Department. She has previously raised alarms about the impact of staff reductions on the agency's ability to assist borrowers. In a letter to McMahon, Warren and other Democratic senators urged the restoration of fired Federal Student Aid employees responsible for reviewing student aid complaints.

Congressional Democrats have also pressed McMahon to cooperate with a separate inspector general review regarding the administration's plans to close the Education Department. They emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "The OIG must be allowed to do its job. We urge the Department to immediately meet its obligation under the law to fully comply with the OIG's review."

McMahon's tenure as the 13th education secretary has been marked by efforts to abolish the department. However, a recent federal appeals court ruling denied the administration's initial steps to diminish the agency. The Department of Education has since filed an appeal with the Supreme Court.