Judge Limits DOGE’s Access to Treasury Payment Records Amid Legal Battle/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing certain Treasury Department payment records, following a lawsuit by government employee unions. The order restricts access to two Musk allies—Tom Krause and Marko Elez—who will retain read-only permissions but cannot make system changes. The lawsuit alleges improper access to sensitive financial data, escalating tensions over Musk’s control of federal agencies under Trump’s government overhaul.
Judge Blocks Full DOGE Access to Treasury Payment System: Quick Look
- Federal Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a temporary restraining order, limiting DOGE’s access to Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service records.
- DOGE is led by Elon Musk, who is overseeing a government-wide restructuring.
- The Treasury Department handles 90% of federal payments, making access to its system highly sensitive.
- Only two Musk allies—Tom Krause and Marko Elez—will retain limited, read-only access.
- Government employee unions filed the lawsuit, citing data security concerns.
- The order follows legal challenges to DOGE’s role in dismantling USAID, a $40 billion agency now facing closure.
Judge Limits DOGE’s Access to Treasury Payment Records Amid Legal Battle
Federal Judge Restricts DOGE’s Treasury Access Amid Lawsuit
Musk’s DOGE Faces Legal Setback Over Treasury Data Access
A federal court has temporarily blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing certain Treasury Department payment records, marking the latest legal challenge to Musk’s aggressive government downsizing efforts under President Donald Trump.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued the order Friday, ruling that DOGE officials cannot obtain records from Treasury’s Bureau of Fiscal Service, which processes 90% of federal payments.
The ruling comes after government employee unions sued, arguing that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent improperly granted Musk’s team access to sensitive financial data.
Limited Access for Musk’s Team
Although the Justice Department proposed restricting DOGE’s access, the court formalized the limits, allowing only two “special government employees” to view, but not modify, Treasury records:
Both retain read-only access but cannot make system changes.
Concerns Over Data Security and Government Overreach
The lawsuit alleges that DOGE’s unchecked access to Treasury data could expose private financial information. Critics argue that Musk’s deep involvement in government operations raises serious transparency and ethical concerns.
“This needs to STOP NOW!” one plaintiff said in response to the court order.
Meanwhile, Musk’s push to dismantle USAID, a $40 billion foreign aid agency, has further fueled criticism that DOGE is overstepping its authority.
What’s Next?
- The court will hold additional hearings to determine whether to permanently block DOGE’s access.
- Government unions will continue challenging DOGE’s oversight, citing concerns over misuse of federal financial data.
- Musk and Trump allies defend DOGE, claiming the department is streamlining government operations.
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