Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
Judge Blocks Musk’s Doge Initiative from Accessing Treasury Records
A federal judge has barred Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) from accessing the personal financial data of millions of Americans stored in Treasury Department records, according to court filings.
Preliminary Injunction Issued
On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting access and ordered Musk and his team to immediately destroy any copies of the records.
Legal Challenge by State Attorneys General
The decision follows a lawsuit filed by 19 state attorneys general against the Trump administration after Doge a cost cutting initiative led by Musk was granted access to the financial records.
The lawsuit argues that providing access to Musk, designated as a "special government employee," and Doge, which is not an official government entity, violates federal law. There has been no immediate response from the White House, President Donald Trump, or Musk.
Court Ruling on Data Protection
In his ruling, Judge Engelmayer stated that the states would face "irreparable harm" without immediate legal intervention.
"This is both due to the risk of disclosing sensitive and confidential information and the heightened risk that these systems will become more vulnerable to hacking," the order stated.
Access Restrictions Imposed
The order restricts the Treasury Department from granting access to personally identifiable or confidential financial records to special government employees, political appointees, or external personnel. Only civil servants with job related needs and who have passed background checks will be permitted access.
Furthermore, all restricted individuals must immediately destroy any copies of the records in their possession.
Next Court Hearing Scheduled
These restrictions will remain in effect until the next court hearing, scheduled for February 14.
Musk’s Role in Government Restructuring
Elon Musk has played a significant role in reshaping government operations during Trump's second term. His Doge initiative has spearheaded major budget cuts at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which manages billions in global aid distribution.
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