A federal judge on Saturday issued a temporary order preventing Elon Musk’s government efficiency team from accessing U.S. government payment systems, citing concerns over the improper disclosure of sensitive financial information.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer of Manhattan granted the order after 19 Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit arguing that Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) lacks legal authority to access Treasury Department systems. The ruling also applies to other political appointees in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Musk reacted on X, calling the ruling “absolutely insane!” and defending DOGE’s role in government payments. He stated that the Treasury Department and DOGE had agreed to require a rationale and categorization code for all outgoing payments. Additionally, Musk advocated for a frequently updated do-not-pay list to prevent unauthorized disbursements.
The lawsuit alleges that Musk’s access could disrupt funding for vital programs such as health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives. It also warns that Trump might leverage the information for political purposes. The attorneys general further argue that DOGE’s involvement poses “huge cybersecurity risks” to government finances and American citizens.
Judge Engelmayer, an Obama appointee, found the case “particularly strong” and approved emergency relief ahead of a February 14 hearing. His ruling bars political appointees, special government employees, and non-Treasury personnel from accessing payment and data systems. The order also mandates the destruction of any previously accessed or downloaded data.
Neither the White House nor the Treasury Department has commented. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James praised the ruling, stating, “Americans can trust that Musk – the world’s richest man – and his friends will not have free rein over their personal information while our lawsuit proceeds.”
Trump tasked Musk with leading DOGE to combat government fraud and inefficiency. However, critics argue Musk is exceeding his authority by attempting to overhaul agencies and cut federal jobs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, a Trump appointee, assured this week that Musk would not interfere with the department’s payment system and that decisions regarding payments remain with federal agencies.
