A federal judge in Manhattan has temporarily barred Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing U.S. Treasury payment systems. The decision comes after a lawsuit filed by attorneys general from 19 states raised concerns about potential cybersecurity threats and unauthorized access to sensitive financial data.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer issued the order early Saturday, citing the risk that DOGE could improperly disclose confidential information. The lawsuit argued that DOGE lacks the legal authority to access Treasury systems, a stance that the judge found compelling enough to grant emergency relief pending further hearings.
In response to the ruling, Musk expressed his frustration on his social media platform X, calling the decision \"absolutely insane.\" He clarified that while DOGE and the Treasury Department had agreed to implement measures requiring detailed rationales and categorization codes for all outgoing payments, the changes were managed by government employees rather than DOGE personnel.
The attorneys general's lawsuit also highlighted concerns that DOGE's access could jeopardize federal funding for essential programs, including health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives. They warned that the information could potentially be exploited to advance political agendas.
Judge Engelmayer, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, emphasized the strength of the states' claims and the necessity of his intervention to protect the integrity of federal financial systems. The order specifically prohibits political appointees, special government employees, and officials from agencies outside the Treasury from accessing these critical payment and data systems. Additionally, the judge mandated the immediate destruction of any materials obtained in violation of the order.
The case is set for a further hearing before another judge on February 14, where the long-term implications of DOGE's access to Treasury systems will be thoroughly examined.
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U.S. judge blocks Musk's DOGE from accessing Treasury payment systems
cgtn.com
