A federal judge has blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department records that contain personal data like Social Security and bank account numbers for millions of Americans. The judge issued the preliminary injunction after a lawsuit was filed by 19 Democratic attorneys general, alleging that the Trump administration allowed DOGE access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system in violation of federal law.
The case, filed in federal court in New York City, raised concerns about the security of personal and financial data handled by the payment system, which sends out trillions of dollars every year. The judge ordered anyone who accessed the sensitive information since Jan. 20 to destroy all copies of downloaded material from Treasury Department systems and scheduled a hearing for Feb. 14.
DOGE, created by the Trump administration to eliminate wasteful government spending, has sparked controversy over its access to Treasury records and inspection of government agencies. Critics have raised concerns about the increasing power of Musk, while supporters see it as a way to reduce government spending.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the lawsuit, argued that DOGE’s access to Treasury data could lead to security problems and potentially illegal freezes in federal funds. The lawsuit also alleges that DOGE’s access violates federal administrative law and the separation of powers doctrine.
The Treasury Department has stated that the review is meant to assess the integrity of the payment system and that no changes are being made. Democratic lawmakers are calling for an investigation into DOGE’s access to the system, while labor unions and advocacy groups have also filed lawsuits to block the review.
The lawsuit has drawn attention to concerns about privacy, security, and the legality of DOGE’s actions, as well as the potential implications for federal funding and government operations. The case highlights the ongoing debate over government transparency and accountability in the digital age.
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