US Judge blocks DOGE from using government treasure department payment system

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the U.S. Treasury Department's payment systems, citing concerns over the potential disclosure of sensitive and confidential information. This decision comes after 19 Democratic-led states filed a lawsuit alleging that DOGE lacked the legal authority to access these systems, which handle trillions of dollars in government payments annually.

Social Security benefits

The lawsuit argues that granting DOGE access could lead to unauthorized disclosure of personal data, including Social Security numbers and bank account details, and might disrupt essential federal payments such as salaries, tax refunds, and Social Security benefits. The plaintiffs also express concerns that the Trump administration could misuse this information for political purposes. In response to the ruling, Elon Musk criticized the decision as "absolutely insane" and suggested, without evidence, that there might be efforts to protect fraudulent activities. He emphasized the importance of reviewing payment flows to identify and halt wasteful spending. 

Treasury Payment Data Systems

The court's order prohibits DOGE personnel, including political appointees and special government employees, from accessing the Treasury's payment and data systems. It also mandates the immediate destruction of any data that may have been improperly obtained. This injunction will remain in effect until a further hearing scheduled for February 14. 

Government operations

This legal action is part of a broader series of challenges against the Trump administration's initiatives to reduce federal spending and restructure government operations. Critics argue that such moves could compromise essential services and violate legal protocols.