A federal judge on Saturday blocked the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Treasury records containing sensitive personal data. The decision, issued by Obama-appointed U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer, is the latest in a series of judicial actions aimed at restraining President Trump and Musk’s efforts to streamline federal operations and cut wasteful spending.
The order comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic attorneys general, who argue that the DOGE is overstepping its bounds by accessing government data to support initiatives that could block federal funds from reaching certain groups. Critics of the lawsuit, however, see it as a politically motivated attempt to obstruct the Trump administration’s efforts to rein in government overreach and protect taxpayer dollars.
The DOGE, tasked with identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in federal spending, has become a lightning rod for controversy since its inception. Conservatives argue that the department is essential for reducing the bloated federal bureaucracy and ensuring accountability in government programs. However, opponents claim that the DOGE’s actions could disproportionately impact certain beneficiaries, such as students relying on federal financial aid.
In his order, Judge Engelmayer sided with the Democratic attorneys general, stating that the states would face “irreparable harm” without injunctive relief. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from conservative leaders, who view it as judicial overreach and an obstruction of the executive branch’s authority to manage federal operations.
The lawsuit alleges that the DOGE is attempting to access sensitive data, including student financial records, as part of broader efforts to restructure or eliminate certain federal agencies, such as the Department of Education. Critics of the lawsuit argue that these claims are exaggerated and designed to stoke fear rather than address legitimate concerns.
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The Saturday order follows a similar ruling by Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, who temporarily blocked the administration from placing 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave. Attorneys for the administration argue that these judicial interventions are undermining efforts to streamline government operations and address inefficiencies.
A hearing is scheduled for Friday in the case overseen by Judge Engelmayer, where the DOGE’s authority and the scope of its data access will be further debated. Meanwhile, the White House has yet to comment on the recent rulings, leaving many conservatives eager for a robust defense of the administration’s efforts to rein in federal spending.
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