A federal judge has temporarily prevented Elon Musk’s efficiency team, known as DOGE, from accessing a crucial Treasury Department payment system, citing potential “irreparable harm”. This system is responsible for distributing essential payments, including tax returns and Social Security benefits, to millions of Americans. The ruling, issued by US District Judge Paul Engelmayer, mandates the destruction of any data downloaded since January 20 due to concerns about the exposure of sensitive information and increased hacking risks.
The White House has condemned the judge’s decision as “judicial overreach”, labelling it an obstruction to necessary reforms aimed at reducing government waste. This ruling arose from a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James and 18 others, challenging the legality of Musk’s team’s access to the payment system usually reserved for select government employees. The controversy highlights broader tensions over Musk and the Trump administration’s efforts to significantly reform federal operations, sparking legal disputes and political backlash.
Musk defended the access on social media, asserting that the changes under consideration were actually initiated by established government employees and were required for financial audits. Amidst ongoing legal challenges, including a recent ruling halting efforts to cut jobs at the US Agency for International Development, the situation underscores the significant implications of these developments for the government’s functioning and citizen data security.