Judge extends order blocking Musk’s DOGE team from Treasury payment system
A federal judge has extended a temporary order blocking Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team from accessing payment systems within the Treasury Department. This extension comes after 19 state attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over DOGE’s access to sensitive information within the payment system.
The lawsuit alleges that the Musk-run agency illegally accessed the Treasury Department’s central payment system at the Trump administration’s request. The attorneys general involved in the lawsuit represent states such as New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, and others.
U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas in Manhattan decided not to issue a ruling on the request for a longer preliminary injunction, leaving the temporary order in place. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended DOGE’s access to the Treasury Department, stating that concerns about it are unfounded. He emphasized that DOGE is essential for streamlining government processes and ensuring accountability in financial transactions.
DOGE, which aims to reduce government waste, has been granted access to various government agencies, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Department of Education, and the Department of Labor. Despite the controversy surrounding DOGE’s access to sensitive payment systems, Bessent reassured that the Treasury’s payment system remains secure and that efforts are being made to enhance accountability and accuracy in financial transactions.
Overall, the lawsuit and ongoing legal battle highlight the complex relationship between government agencies, private entities, and the need for transparency and accountability in financial transactions. The outcome of this case will likely have significant implications for the future of government efficiency initiatives and data security protocols within federal agencies.
