A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Treasury Department records containing sensitive personal data of millions of Americans, including Social Security and bank account numbers. The judge’s ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic attorneys general against President Donald Trump, alleging that the Trump administration unlawfully allowed DOGE access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system. The system handles trillions of dollars in tax refunds, benefits, and financial data annually.
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, appointed by President Barack Obama, ordered anyone with unauthorized access to sensitive information to destroy any downloaded material. The hearing for the case is set for February 14. Trump’s administration and DOGE have faced criticism for potentially violating federal law and privacy rights by accessing this data.
New York Attorney General Letitia James, the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, argued that DOGE’s access to Treasury records poses security risks and could disrupt federal funding approved by Congress. The lawsuit, joined by several other states, alleges that DOGE’s access exceeds the Treasury Department’s authority, violates federal law, and may violate the U.S. Constitution’s separation of powers doctrine.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are calling for a Treasury Department investigation into DOGE’s activities, while labor unions and advocacy groups have also raised concerns about the legality of the payments system review. The case highlights the ongoing debate over government oversight, privacy, and the balance of power in government operations.
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