According to Politico and ABC News, a federal judge has granted an emergency order preventing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing private Treasury Department information and systems. This decision is the result of legal challenges from several states and labor groups who were worried about possible personal data misuse and payment disruptions to the government.
A Judge Denies DOGE Access
The majority of Trump administration officials, including Elon Musk and his associates, are prohibited from accessing Treasury Department systems by a broad injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer on February 8, 2025. The decision restricts access to “civil servants with a need for access” who have successfully completed security clearances and background investigations. The judge also mandated that all DOGE-affiliated officials who had entered the system since January 20 erase any copies of the material they had acquired.
Until at least February 14, when a hearing has been scheduled by another federal judge, the emergency order will stay in force. Due to legal challenges from several states and labor groups, which raised concerns about possible misuse of personal information and disruption of government payments, this interim barrier has been put in place.
Legal Disputes With DOGE
Two major legal actions are the reason for the emergency order that prevents DOGE from accessing Treasury systems. In a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a group of 19 state attorneys general—mostly from Democratic-led states—contested the extraordinary access given to Elon Musk’s team. Labor organizations filed a separate case at the same time, including the Service Employees International Union, the American Federation of Government Employees, and the Alliance for Retired Americans. According to both legal challenges, DOGE’s access to Treasury data presents serious cybersecurity threats and breaches a number of federal statutes, including the Internal Revenue Code and the Privacy Act of 1974. Growing worries about the possible abuse of private data and the interference with vital government payment systems are reflected in these litigation.
Treasury Data Concerns
DOGE’s access to Treasury data has drawn criticism for a number of important reasons. These include threats to cybersecurity and data privacy, as well as the possible exploitation of private data, including millions of Americans’ bank account information and Social Security numbers. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential suspension or interruption of federal funding for vital programs. State attorneys general and labor unions contend that giving DOGE access to private Treasury systems is illegal under federal law and puts taxpayer data at serious danger of security breaches.