A U.S. federal judge has temporarily barred Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing crucial federal payment systems, citing serious cybersecurity risks and potential misuse of sensitive financial data. The ruling comes after 19 states, mostly led by Democrats, sued to prevent Musk’s team from interfering with government transactions.
Why Was Musk’s DOGE Blocked?
Judge Paul Engelmayer, appointed by former President Barack Obama, issued the ruling on Saturday following an urgent request from state attorneys general. The lawsuit argued that Musk’s team, which was given access under the Trump administration, lacked legal authority to handle Treasury Department systems that process trillions of dollars in payments.
State officials raised concerns that DOGE’s involvement could disrupt funding for essential programs such as healthcare, education, and climate initiatives. They also warned that Musk’s unprecedented access could be exploited for political gain by President Trump’s administration.
“The risk of exposing confidential financial data and increasing vulnerability to cyber threats is too high,” Engelmayer wrote in his order.
Key Rulings in the Court Order
- Immediate Ban on Access – Musk’s team, including political appointees and special government employees, can no longer access Treasury Department payment and data systems.
- Destruction of Any Collected Data – Anyone who previously accessed these systems must destroy any copied or downloaded information.
- Further Court Hearing on February 14 – The decision is temporary, pending a more detailed court review.
Reactions to the Ruling
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led the lawsuit, celebrated the decision, stating, “No one is above the law. The American people should not have to worry about their financial data being freely accessed by Elon Musk and his associates.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has defended Musk’s role, arguing that DOGE was created to improve government efficiency and reduce financial waste. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reassured that the payment system itself was not under immediate threat and that any funding decisions remained with other agencies.
What’s Next for DOGE?
Musk’s role in the government remains controversial, with critics arguing that he is overstepping his authority by attempting to restructure federal agencies and dismiss civil servants. The upcoming February 14 hearing will determine whether DOGE will face permanent restrictions or regain access to federal payment systems.
For now, the court’s ruling marks a significant legal roadblock for Musk and raises broader questions about the balance between private sector influence and government oversight.
