US judge temporarily bars Musk's DOGE from accessing treasury records
What's the story
A United States federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department records.
The injunction was issued by US District Judge Paul A Engelmayer after 19 Democratic attorneys general sued President Donald Trump.
The suit claims the Trump administration illegally gave Musk's team access to the Treasury's central payment system, which contains personal data like Social Security and bank account numbers.
Data destruction
Judge orders destruction of downloaded treasury records
The Treasury's central payment system handles tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and veterans' benefits, processing trillions of dollars every year.
Judge Engelmayer has ordered that anyone barred from accessing this information since January 20 must destroy all downloaded materials.
A hearing on the matter is scheduled for February 14.
The White House has yet to comment on the lawsuit or the temporary injunction against DOGE's access to these records.
Security risks
Attorney general expresses concerns over DOGE's access
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the lawsuit, has raised concerns about security risks and illegal federal fund freezes due to DOGE's access.
She said, "This unelected group, led by the world's richest man, is not authorized to have this information."
The lawsuit also includes Arizona, California, and Illinois. It claims DOGE's access could interfere with Congress-approved funding and violate federal administrative law and the US Constitution's separation of powers doctrine.
Policy change
Treasury secretary accused of policy alteration
The lawsuit also alleges that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent altered policies to grant DOGE access.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called it "the largest data breach in American history." He slammed DOGE as "an unlawfully constituted band of renegade tech bros combing through confidential records."
The Treasury Department insists the review is to evaluate system integrity without making changes, a claim yet to be proven.
Public reaction
DOGE's role and public response under scrutiny
DOGE was created to flag and root out what the Trump administration deems wasteful government spending.
While critics have raised alarms over Musk's growing power, supporters laud the attempts to cut down government spending.
Musk has brushed off criticism on his X social media platform, arguing that DOGE saves millions of dollars for taxpayers.
Now, Democratic lawmakers are calling for a Treasury probe into DOGE's access to these records.