Nineteen states have sued to prevent Elon Musk’s team from accessing Treasury Department systems. A federal judge in Manhattan ruled on Friday to continue blocking individuals linked to Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury records and payment systems. The judge, Jeanette Vargas, is considering whether to issue a preliminary injunction and has extended the temporary restraining order from last week.
The lawsuit, filed by the attorneys general of 19 states, argues that allowing Musk’s associates access to the Treasury Department’s systems poses a “huge cybersecurity risk.” The states fear that such access could allow the Trump administration to block federal funds from reaching certain beneficiaries and compromise sensitive personal and financial information stored within those systems.
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This legal action comes as Musk’s team has gained access to at least 16 federal agencies. Trump recently signed an executive order granting DOGE additional authority to oversee layoffs and other cost-cutting measures in the federal government. The states are particularly concerned about unvetted DOGE employees accessing sensitive records like social security numbers, tax returns, and bank information, which could lead to potential breaches or misuse.
A judge in New York previously blocked access to Treasury systems, stating that the states could face irreparable harm due to the risks of disclosing confidential information and increased vulnerability to hacking. Despite challenges from the Trump administration, Judge Vargas has upheld the restraining order, citing a solid factual basis for the decision. The states involved in the lawsuit include Arizona, California, New York, and others.