In a significant legal move, a U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the Treasury Department's payment systems. The decision comes amid concerns over the potential mishandling of sensitive financial information.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer issued the order after Democratic attorneys general from 19 states filed a lawsuit, arguing that DOGE lacks the legal authority to tap into systems managing trillions in government payments. The lawsuit highlighted major cybersecurity risks, stating that DOGE's access could jeopardize funding for essential programs like health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives.
Shortly after the ruling, Musk took to his social media platform, X, to voice his frustration, describing the block as \"absolutely insane!\" He clarified that recent changes requiring government employees to add rationale and categorization codes to outgoing payments were implemented by the Treasury Department itself, not DOGE.
Judge Engelmayer, appointed by former President Barack Obama, emphasized the strength of the states' claims, leading to the emergency relief action. The order specifically prohibits political appointees and special government employees from accessing Treasury payment and data systems, and mandates the immediate destruction of any materials they might have copied or downloaded.
The case is set for a further hearing on February 14, where more details will be examined. As this legal battle unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between government oversight and private sector involvement in managing public funds.
