New York: A federal judge has blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department records.
Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued the ruling early Saturday.
Nineteen Democratic attorneys general sued President Donald Trump over the issue.
The lawsuit claims that the Trump administration illegally allowed DOGE to access private financial data.
The Treasury’s system handles Social Security, tax refunds, and veterans’ benefits.
Critics say Musk’s team could interfere with federal payments.
The judge ordered any collected data to be destroyed immediately.
A hearing is set for February 14.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the move a threat to Americans’ financial security.
She said Trump does not have the power to share private information at will.
DOGE was created to cut government waste, but critics fear overreach.
Musk has defended DOGE on social media, calling it a cost-saving effort.
Some worry DOGE is attempting to freeze federal payments.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong called it the largest data breach in U.S. history.
Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups are also challenging DOGE’s actions.
The case could have major implications for government oversight and data security.
Supporters argue that DOGE’s work is necessary to curb excessive government spending.
The Treasury Department insists that the review is only to ensure the integrity of the system.
Reports suggest that Musk’s team initially targeted payments made by the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Some officials fear that DOGE’s involvement could disrupt aid programs and essential government operations.
Legal experts say this case could set a precedent for executive power over government data access.
The White House has not issued an official response to the ruling.
Further legal battles are expected as both sides prepare for the February hearing.
