In a significant legal development, a federal judge in New York has blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing highly sensitive taxpayer data, safeguarding the privacy of millions of Americans. Judge Paul Engelmayer, overseeing the case, issued a temporary restraining order, citing potential 'irreparable harm' if immediate action was not taken.
This notable legal move comes as a response to a lawsuit led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and joined by attorneys general from 18 other states. The coalition contends that DOGE's expanded access policy could expose confidential information, such as Social Security numbers and bank details, to significant cybersecurity threats.
The lawsuit emphatically argues that Musk's directives under the Trump administration have overstepped legal boundaries, tapping into Treasury Department data without adequate safeguards. The action raises concerns over violations of multiple federal laws designed to protect sensitive financial information from unauthorized access.
In a Saturday morning statement on social media platform X, James celebrated the court's ruling, asserting that the decision is a victory for privacy and security. 'This morning, we secured a court order blocking Elon Musk from accessing Americans’ private data. This is a crucial step in protecting our citizens' sensitive information,' James stated.
The lawsuit was lodged in the Southern District of New York, demanding that DOGE's 'special government employees' be restricted from interacting with the Bureau of Fiscal Service (BFS) records. As part of its treasury management responsibilities, the BFS acts as the federal government's financial disbursement hub. Musk's aggressive cost-cutting measures have already triggered multiple lawsuits across various government sectors, including this most recent challenge.
Even under the court's temporary interdict, two Treasury Department staff associated with Musk retain 'read-only' access to this sensitive trove of information. The states' attorneys general argue that these actions undermine congressional authority, breach the Administrative Procedures Act by being 'arbitrary and capricious,' and infringe upon the principle of separation of powers.
The controversy also implicates U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, highlighting alleged deviations from traditional data protection protocols to enable DOGE's access to taxpayer information. This development raises significant implications for the transparency, qualifications, and security clearance of DOGE personnel. There are growing calls for accountability and an inquiry into the specific duties and data access scope granted to these employees.
The legal battle signals broader pushback against what some describe as Musk's radical restructuring of government functions under the Trump administration. It remains a subject of public and legal interest as stakeholders continue to assess the implications of DOGE's sweeping policy changes on the privacy and security of American taxpayers.