A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department records containing personal financial data. This action followed a lawsuit from 19 state attorneys general who argued that granting access to Musk, a “special government employee,” and Doge violated federal law and posed an irreparable risk of data breaches. The injunction orders the immediate destruction of any copied records and restricts access to only authorized civil servants. The order will remain in effect until a February 14th hearing.
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A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive Treasury Department data, including Social Security and bank account numbers, after a lawsuit from 19 Democratic attorneys general. The lawsuit alleges DOGE’s access violates federal law and the Constitution’s separation of powers, jeopardizing the security of millions of Americans’ financial information and potentially interfering with congressionally appropriated funds. The judge ordered the immediate destruction of any already downloaded data and scheduled a hearing for February 14th. The case highlights concerns over DOGE’s authority and the potential misuse of sensitive government information.
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Senator Ron Wyden confirmed that Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” has gained access to the Treasury’s highly sensitive payment system, a database containing the personal data of millions of Americans and details on government contractors. This access, granted by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, includes Social Security and Medicare benefits, grants, and contractor payments. Wyden raised serious concerns about the national security implications and potential conflicts of interest stemming from Musk’s business interests and the risk of politically motivated data manipulation. The granting of access follows the retirement of a high-ranking Treasury official who reportedly opposed it.
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John Q. Hosedrinker