US Court Bars Elon Musk From Accessing Treasury Payments Data, Limits His Department’s Oversight Role
The decision follows concerns from Democrats over DOGE’s access to sensitive financial data.
AUnited States district judge has ruled that Elon Musk cannot access US Treasury payments data, limiting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to restricted oversight.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly approved a temporary agreement allowing only two Musk associates, Tom Krause and Marko Elez, to have “read-only” access to certain Treasury records.
The decision follows concerns from Democrats over DOGE’s access to sensitive financial data.
The ruling is an interim measure while the court considers a lawsuit filed by unions and nonprofits seeking to restrict DOGE’s involvement in Treasury operations.
The Justice Department supported the agreement, which prevents DOGE from interfering with Treasury payment systems.
DOGE, a government efficiency initiative led by Musk, reportedly has access to data from the Office of Personnel Management, including employee records.
While there is no evidence of records being altered, concerns remain over the potential risks posed by Musk’s involvement.
Musk responded to the developments by reposting a Wall Street Journal report on X (formerly Twitter), commenting, “Yeah, this is where the big money fraud is happening.”
His team was reportedly at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services investigating fraud and waste.
Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden, have demanded an investigation into Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s decision to allow DOGE access. They question whether proper safeguards exist to protect national security and privacy.
Senate Minority Leader, Chuck Schumer, criticised Musk’s role, stating, “An unelected shadow government is conducting a hostile takeover of the federal government.” Senator Patty Murray echoed concerns, calling Musk’s influence over financial systems a “hijacking.”
The American Federation of Government Employees has also filed a lawsuit against the Treasury Department to limit DOGE’s influence. Reports indicate Musk has been granted significant oversight of Treasury data, with The New York Times suggesting he could “monitor and potentially limit government spending.”
Musk originally proposed DOGE in September, prior to Donald Trump’s election victory. Trump later formalised it through an executive order, restructuring the U.S. Digital Service to align with his cost-cutting agenda. However, the exact authority of DOGE remains unclear.
Democratic opposition to DOGE has intensified, with protests erupting outside the Treasury building.
House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, announced a proposed “Stop the Steal” Act to prevent DOGE’s involvement, while attempts to subpoena Musk for more information were blocked by congressional Republicans.
