The Trump administration is pushing back against a federal court order that blocks Treasury officials’ access to a critical government payment system. The Justice Department argues that the ruling is an unconstitutional restriction on executive power, while states suing over the issue claim that the order is necessary to prevent security risks. The legal battle is expected to continue, with an expedited review likely to take place soon.
Trump Administration Challenges Court Order on Treasury Access
The Trump administration is urgently seeking to overturn a federal court order that restricts its officials from accessing a key government payment system. The Justice Department argues that the order is an excessive and unconstitutional limitation on executive authority, calling for it to be revoked immediately.
Federal Judge Blocks Access to Treasury Systems
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer issued the order over the weekend, preventing all but trained career employees from accessing the Treasury’s financial database. The ruling was made in response to lawsuits from several states, which raised concerns about security risks due to the involvement of Elon Musk allies within the Treasury Department.
Concerns Over Security Risks and Unauthorized Access
States filing the lawsuit argue that certain members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), including Musk ally Thomas Krause, had been given inappropriate access to sensitive Treasury systems. This led to fears of potential data breaches or financial manipulation. Another Musk associate, Marko Elez, who recently resigned over controversial social media posts, had previously accessed Treasury system codes in a “sandbox environment.”
Justice Department’s Legal Response
The Justice Department is negotiating with the states to narrow the restrictions imposed by Judge Engelmayer’s ruling. If an agreement is not reached by the deadline, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas will conduct an expedited review of the order. The administration argues that the restrictions prevent Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent from fully performing his duties.
Political Reactions and Potential Consequences
Trump allies have strongly criticized the ruling, calling it an overreach of judicial power and suggesting that the administration should ignore the order altogether. However, Justice Department officials emphasize that Treasury staff have been complying with the court’s restrictions while legal proceedings continue.
What’s Next?
The legal dispute is expected to escalate further, potentially reaching higher courts. If the court order remains in place, it could limit the administration’s ability to oversee Treasury operations, setting a precedent for executive power restrictions in financial matters.
COMMENTS