A federal judge in Manhattan has extended an injunction preventing members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive data within the US Treasury Department. The judge’s decision came after a contentious court hearing, during which concerns were raised about the potential unauthorized sharing of this data.
The temporary restraining order, initially issued in response to a lawsuit filed by New York and other states, prohibits DOGE staff from accessing information that could compromise the privacy and security of Treasury Department data. The lawsuit alleges that allowing DOGE members access to this information poses a significant risk of unauthorized disclosure and hacking.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the extent of DOGE’s access to Treasury Department data and whether this information had been shared outside the department remains unclear. The Department of Justice attorney representing the Trump administration admitted that they were still conducting a forensic analysis to determine the full scope of the situation.
The controversy surrounding DOGE began when President Trump appointed Elon Musk to head the agency, tasked with rooting out fraud and waste in government operations. However, concerns were raised about the lack of evidence supporting the need for DOGE’s access to sensitive government data.
The lawsuit against Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent alleges that granting DOGE members access to confidential financial information violates numerous laws and regulations. The states suing over the issue argue that the risks associated with DOGE’s access to this data are substantial and imminent.
Despite the government’s assurances that mitigation measures were in place to prevent unauthorized disclosure, the court heard arguments that the access granted to DOGE members was unnecessary and posed significant ethical concerns. The ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between the executive branch’s authority and the need to protect sensitive government information from unauthorized access.