Demonstrators rally outside the Treasury Department, Washington, D.C., February 4, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura
Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Musk-Led Government Efficiency Team from Treasury Systems
A U.S. federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Trump administration political appointees from accessing sensitive government payment systems, citing cybersecurity risks and concerns over improper data disclosure.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer, in Manhattan, granted the temporary block early Saturday, following a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic-led U.S. states. The states challenged DOGE’s authority over U.S. Treasury Department systems, arguing that the team had no legal mandate to access them.
Concerns Over Unauthorized Access
The lawsuit, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, claims that:
- DOGE’s involvement could disrupt federal funding for vital programs, including health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives.
- Access to the Treasury’s financial systems poses cybersecurity risks, potentially jeopardizing trillions of dollars in federal payments.
- President Donald Trump could potentially use the financial data for political purposes.
Engelmayer, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, stated that the states’ concerns were well-founded, warranting immediate action:
“The new policy presents a risk of disclosure of sensitive and confidential information and increases the vulnerability of these systems to hacking,” he wrote in his ruling.
Legal and Political Implications
The ruling prohibits:
- DOGE political appointees, special government employees, and external agency staff from accessing Treasury Department payment and data systems.
- Any unauthorized individuals from copying or downloading sensitive financial data.
- Immediate destruction of any data already obtained by DOGE personnel.
Attorney General Letitia James welcomed the ruling, stating:
“We knew the Trump administration’s decision to grant this access was illegal, and this morning, a federal court agreed. Americans can now trust that Musk and his associates will not have unchecked access to their personal information while our lawsuit proceeds.”
The White House and U.S. Treasury Department have not yet responded to the ruling.
Musk’s Role and Broader Concerns
Elon Musk, appointed by President Trump to lead DOGE, has been tasked with identifying government inefficiencies and eliminating waste. However, his aggressive efforts to reform federal agencies—including downsizing agencies and terminating federal employees—have sparked controversy and legal challenges.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a Trump appointee, attempted to reassure the public earlier this week, stating that DOGE would not interfere with the Treasury’s payment system and that any decisions to stop payments would be made by other agencies.
Next Steps
The case will proceed with a full hearing on February 14, where a federal judge will determine whether the temporary order should be extended into a permanent injunction against DOGE’s access to Treasury systems.
This ruling marks a significant legal challenge to Trump’s restructuring of government agencies, setting the stage for further court battles over executive authority and federal oversight.
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