Trump admin files motion to vacate restraining order prohibiting DOGE access to Treasury payment systems

The Trump administration has recently made a move to vacate or adjust a court’s temporary restraining order that blocked the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its political appointees from accessing sensitive Treasury Department payment records. Cloud Software Group, Inc. CEO Tom Krause argued in the motion that high-level political appointees, such as the Treasury Secretary and Deputy Secretary, should have the ability to attend briefings regarding information obtained from Treasury employees with the appropriate access to the data.

While Krause acknowledged that these high-level officials do not typically require access to such systems, he emphasized the importance of having the option available in case a situation arises that necessitates it. However, Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a temporary restraining order preventing political appointees, special government employees, and other government employees from accessing Treasury Department payment systems or any data containing personally identifiable information.

In response to this order, individuals falling under these categories who previously had access to sensitive data were instructed to immediately destroy any downloaded material from the Treasury Department’s records and systems. This legal action follows a lawsuit filed by 19 attorneys general against President Donald Trump, the U.S. Treasury, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, alleging unauthorized access to the Treasury Department’s payment systems by the Trump administration.

Kollar-Kotelly’s order restricts access to Treasury Department payment records to only two special government employees within DOGE, who will have read-only permission. This decision came after the Justice Department agreed to limit access to the sensitive records, following a lawsuit brought by government employee unions over improper access granted by Bessent.

The ongoing legal battle highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive financial data and ensuring that access is granted only to authorized personnel. As the case continues to unfold, it remains critical to uphold the integrity and security of government payment systems to prevent potential breaches or misuse of confidential information.