U.S. judge bars DOGE from Treasury data

A U.S. federal judge on Saturday temporarily blocked access to the Treasury Department’s payment and data systems for members of Elon Musk’s government efficiency program, citing concerns over potential security risks, according to The New York Times.

Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued the emergency order, stating that the Trump administration’s policy allowing political appointees and special government employees to access sensitive financial data posed a risk of “irreparable harm.”

The order requires officials who gained access since 20 January to destroy any downloaded Treasury records. It also prevents further access to these systems by similar officials.

President Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have been ordered to justify the policy before Judge Jeannette A. Vargas in a hearing set for 14 February.