Judge Bars Musk and DOGE From Accessing Sensitive Data

Judge's hand holding gavel over documents.

A federal judge has temporarily barred Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department data, igniting a fierce debate over executive power and judicial oversight.

Quick Takes

U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer issued a temporary restraining order against Elon Musk and DOGE, blocking access to Treasury Department systems.
The order follows a lawsuit by 19 state attorneys general challenging a Trump administration policy on access to financial data.
President Trump and Elon Musk strongly criticize the judge’s decision, calling it “crazy” and demanding impeachment.
The case, New York v. Trump, centers on alleged violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and constitutional principles.
A hearing is scheduled for February 14 to revisit the temporary order.

Judge Blocks DOGE Access to Treasury Data

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Washington, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer has issued a temporary restraining order blocking Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department data and systems. The order came in response to a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 19 states, challenging a new Treasury Department policy implemented under the Trump administration and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.

The controversial policy allegedly expands access to the Bureau of Fiscal Services’ payment systems to Trump administration political appointees and special government employees. Critics argue that this move violates the Administrative Procedure Act, exceeds the Treasury’s statutory authority, and breaches the separation of powers and the Take Care Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Trump and Musk React to Court Order

President Donald Trump has expressed strong disagreement with Judge Engelmayer’s decision. In an interview with Fox News’s Bret Baier, Trump stated his position unequivocally:

“No, I disagree with it 100%. I think it’s crazy. And we have to solve the efficiency problem. We have to solve the fraud, waste, abuse, all the things that have gone into the government. You take a look at the USAID, the kind of fraud in there.” – Donald Trump

Elon Musk, who heads the DOGE initiative, took to social media to voice his frustration, calling for the judge’s impeachment and accusing him of protecting corruption. Musk argued that the ruling would hinder efforts to prevent fraud and waste of taxpayer money.

Legal Battle Intensifies

The case, titled New York v. Trump, is set to continue under the jurisdiction of Judge Jeannette Vargas, an appointee of former President Joe Biden. The temporary restraining order specifically prevents Trump and Bessent from granting access to Treasury records and systems containing personal and financial information, except to civil servants who require it for their duties.

“We absolutely expect the defendants to comply with the order, which the court issued in light of the egregiously illegal actions at issue and the enormous risk they pose to cybersecurity and privacy. Our nation is built on the rule of law, and we intend to pursue it to the maximum extent to protect our residents.” – New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin

While the Trump administration and DOGE supporters argue that access to these systems is crucial for identifying and preventing fraud and waste, opponents contend that the policy represents an overreach of executive power and poses significant privacy and security risks.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case highlights the ongoing tension between executive authority and judicial oversight in the American system of government. With a hearing scheduled for February 14 to revisit the temporary order, all eyes will be on the Southern District of New York as this high-stakes legal drama continues to play out.