In a major legal setback for Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal judge has issued a temporary injunction preventing the agency from accessing highly sensitive financial records stored by the U.S. Treasury Department. These files contain Social Security numbers, bank account details, and confidential financial data of millions of Americans, sparking concerns over data security, privacy violations, and potential financial fraud.
Court Sides with Privacy Advocates in Treasury Data Battle
The decision, handed down by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, highlights growing concerns over government oversight, unauthorized data access, and digital security risks. The injunction comes after 19 Democratic attorneys general sued to block DOGE’s access, arguing that it could lead to misuse of federal funds and compromise citizens’ private information.
Why Was DOGE Blocked?
DOGE was originally launched with the goal of eliminating government inefficiencies and optimizing spending. However, critics claim that Musk’s increasing influence over federal operations raises serious privacy and security concerns, especially if DOGE gains access to sensitive payment systems handling tax refunds, Social Security, and veterans’ benefits.
The lawsuit, backed by states including California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts, alleges that the Trump administration violated federal law by granting DOGE access to Treasury systems without appropriate oversight.
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Next Steps: Legal Battle Continues
The next court hearing is scheduled for February 14, where further arguments will be presented regarding the legality and ethical concerns of DOGE’s role in financial data management. Judge Engelmayer has also ordered the deletion of any unlawfully accessed personal data, preventing its misuse.
As the legal battle unfolds, questions remain about the future of DOGE, Musk’s government influence, and the broader implications of private entities accessing federal data.
