Trump Faces Setback as Judge Blocks Musk’s DOGE from Accessing Sensitive US Records

In a legal blow to Donald Trump, a judge has ruled against Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative, restricting its access to sensitive U.S. government records. The decision raises concerns over data security and political influence.

In a major blow to President Donald Trump, a federal judge on Saturday issued an order preventing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from obtaining access to sensitive Treasury Department records. These records include personal data such as Social Security numbers and bank account information for millions of Americans.

U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer issued the order in response to a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic attorneys general, who contend that the Trump administration unlawfully allowed Musk’s team access to the Treasury’s central payment system. The case, presented in federal court in New York City, claims this action breaches federal law.

The Treasury’s central payment system is an essential infrastructure that processes trillions of dollars each year, distributing tax refunds, Social Security benefits, veterans’ payments, and other federal funds. Additionally, it maintains a vast network containing Americans’ personal and financial information.

DOGE, which was created during the Trump administration, is responsible for pinpointing and removing what it deems unnecessary government spending. The agency’s access to Treasury records has generated significant controversy: critics raise concerns about privacy and security risks, while proponents commend its attempt to reduce excessive governmental expenditures.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose office is spearheading the lawsuit, voiced concerns regarding DOGE’s authority.

In a video message, James stated that “this group, which is not elected and led by the world’s wealthiest individual, does not have permission to access this information. They intentionally sought out this unauthorized entry to unlawfully disrupt payments upon which millions of Americans depend—payments directed towards health care, child care, and other vital programs.”

James contended that the president lacks the unilateral authority to disclose private data or stop federal payments authorized by Congress.

Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts., Minnesota. Nevada New Jersey North Carolina Oregon Rhode Island Vermont and Wisconsin have joined New York in the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that the access granted to DOGE could interfere with funding already approved by Congress, exceeding the legal authority of the Treasury Department. It also contends that this access infringes upon federal administrative law and breaches the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been named in the lawsuit for allegedly changing longstanding policies that protect sensitive information, allowing DOGE to examine payment systems.

The lawsuit claims that this decision neglected legal responsibilities to safeguard the data and overlooked the privacy expectations of federal fund recipients, specifically referencing information related to states, veterans, retirees, and taxpayers.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong expressed concern about the role of DOGE, highlighting potential risks related to data misuse.

“This marks the largest data breach in American history,” Tong stated. “DOGE is an unlawfully assembled group of rogue tech enthusiasts sifting through confidential records, sensitive information, and essential payment systems. What could possibly go wrong?”

The Treasury Department has justified the review, stating that it aims to evaluate system integrity without implementing operational changes. Nevertheless, two individuals with knowledge of the situation revealed anonymously—fearing potential backlash—that Musk’s team initially explored options to halt payments from the U.S. Agency for International Development, an agency reportedly targeted by Trump and Musk for dismantling.

In the meantime, Democratic lawmakers have requested a distinct investigation by the Treasury into DOGE’s activities. Furthermore, labor unions and advocacy groups have initiated lawsuits questioning the legality of DOGE’s access.

A judge in Washington recently imposed a temporary order limiting two DOGE employees to “read-only” access amid ongoing legal disputes.