A federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Musk's 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) from accessing sensitive US Treasury Department records containing personal data like social security and bank account numbers. The injunction was granted in response to a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic attorneys general alleging the Trump administration allowed Musk's team unauthorized access to the data in violation of federal law. The lawsuit raises concerns about security breaches and the possibility of an illegal freeze in federal funds.
Protesters hold placards during a rally in Washington DC on Wednesday. Campaigners gathered to voice objections to Elon Musk and his ‘ Doge ’ team accessing departments across the US government.Protesters hold placards during a rally in Washington DC on Wednesday. Campaigners gathered to voice objections to Elon Musk and his ‘ Doge ’ team accessing departments across the US government.
Engelmayer, who was appointed by Barack Obama, also said anyone prohibited from having access to the sensitive information since 20 January must immediately destroy all copies of material downloaded from treasury department systems.The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the lawsuit being filed.
James, a Democrat who has been one of Trump’s chief antagonists, said the president does not have the power to give away Americans’ private information to anyone he chooses, and he cannot cut federal payments approved by Congress. The suit alleges that Doge’s access to the treasury records could interfere with funding already appropriated by Congress, which would exceed the treasury department’s statutory authority. The case also argues that the Doge access violates federal administrative law and the US constitution’s separation of powers doctrine.
Connecticut’s attorney general, William Tong, said it was not clear what Doge was doing with the information in the treasury systems.
Technology Elon Musk Doge US Treasury Data Breach Federal Law Trump Administration
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Judge temporarily blocks Musk’s ‘Doge’ team from accessing treasury recordsInjunction granted in response to lawsuit alleging the Trump administration allowed Musk’s team access to sensitive data in violation of federal law
Read more »
Donald Trump makes DOGE head Elon Musk a 'special government employee'The Tesla and SpaceX owner is now considered a 'special government employee' as he works to shrink the US government, potentially bypassing conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws.
Read more »
Elon Musk's Doge Team Granted 'Full Access' to Federal Payment SystemElon Musk's 'department of government efficiency' has been granted access to the federal payment system, raising concerns about the security of sensitive personal data and the potential for misuse. This access, confirmed by US Senator Ron Wyden, grants Musk's team entry to a database containing information on social security and Medicare benefits, government contractor payments, and more. The move comes after the retirement of the Treasury Department's top civil servant, David Lebryk, who had opposed Musk's team's efforts to access the system. Wyden has expressed concerns about the potential for political manipulation and national security risks associated with this arrangement, given Musk's business ties to China.
Read more »
‘Don’t mess with DOGE’: Musk uses X as weapon in cost-cutting crusadeAs Elon Musk slashes US government spending, he has a tool no aspiring cost-cutter has had before: his own social media platform to debate, shame and bludgeon anyone standing in his way.
Read more »
‘Unlawful power grab’: Democrats declare war on DOGE amid ‘Elon takeover’ of government agenciesThe Musk-led attack on USAID spurred Democrats into action along with reports that the businessman’s team had gained access to the Treasury’s massive payments system.
Read more »
‘Unlawful power grab’: Democrats declare war on DOGE amid ‘Elon takeover’ of government agenciesThe Elon Musk-led attack on USAID and reports the businessman’s team had gained access to the Treasury’s massive payments system spurred Democrats into action.
Read more »