Temporary Restraining Order Cites Risk of “Irreparable Harm”

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing the Treasury Department’s payment and data systems. The judge ordered DOGE officials to destroy any downloaded materials, citing the risk of “irreparable harm”.

Lawsuit Alleges Cybersecurity Risks

This decision comes after New York Attorney General Letitia James and 13 other Democratic state attorneys general filed a lawsuit claiming that DOGE’s access poses huge cybersecurity risks. AG James stated that this level of access for unauthorized individuals is “unlawful, unprecedented, and unacceptable”.

Controversy Surrounds DOGE’s Access

DOGE, created by the Trump administration to modernize federal technology, has been embroiled in controversy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had given DOGE team members access to the Treasury’s system, which disbursed over $5 trillion in 2024. However, the judge’s order has put a halt to this access, at least temporarily.

Case to be Heard Again on February 14

The case will be heard again on February 14 before Judge Jeannette A. Vargas. Meanwhile, other prominent political figures, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, have denounced DOGE’s access to vital systems, calling for an independent investigation.

Musk Defends DOGE’s Progress

In response to the ruling, Musk argued on X that DOGE is making progress in improving the efficiency of tax dollar spending. However, the controversy surrounding DOGE’s access to sensitive data continues to grow.