Payam Javan: A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction barring Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive U.S. Treasury Department records containing personal data, including Social Security and bank account numbers. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic attorneys general, who argue that the Trump administration unlawfully granted DOGE access to the Treasury’s central payment system. This system processes trillions of dollars annually, covering tax refunds and Social Security benefits. As part of the court’s decision, any unauthorized data obtained since January 20 must be destroyed immediately, with a follow-up hearing set for February 14.

The controversy escalated after reports revealed that DOGE staff had the ability to alter payment system codes, prompting the Treasury’s threat intelligence team to classify some DOGE members as potential “insider threats.” Concerns deepened when Marko Elez, a DOGE official with extensive system access, resigned after past racist social media posts surfaced. Despite these concerns, former President Donald Trump and other officials have defended DOGE, arguing that its initiatives align with efforts to cut government spending and improve efficiency.

Opponents warn that DOGE’s unrestricted access to Treasury operations could allow the administration to unilaterally suspend federal payments, jeopardizing critical services. Legal analysts highlight potential violations of privacy and constitutional law, emphasizing that Congress holds the exclusive authority over government spending. As the legal battle unfolds, the case underscores a broader conflict between executive efforts to overhaul government operations and the constitutional safeguards meant to protect financial oversight and democratic governance.