A federal district court in New York has issued a preliminary injunction preventing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Treasury Department payment systems, citing security risks and unauthorized data access.
The ruling, handed down on February 21, 2025, follows a lawsuit filed by 19 state Attorneys General, who accused DOGE of gaining access to sensitive financial records without proper vetting or security protocols.
Why Did the Court Block DOGE?
The lawsuit argued that DOGE’s access to federal payment systems was “chaotic and haphazard.”
DOGE was given full access to Americans’ sensitive financial data, including:
- Names
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates & places
- Home addresses & emails
- Bank account details
- A DOGE associate, Elez, was granted full access rather than “read-only” access, raising concerns over potential misuse of data.
The judge criticized the rushed process, writing:
“The process by which the Treasury DOGE Team was appointed, brought on board, and provided with access to [Bureau of Fiscal Service] payment systems could have been implemented in a measured, reasonable, and thoughtful way. To date, based on the record currently before the Court, it does not appear that this has been the case.”
Court’s Orders and Next Steps
Until further notice, DOGE is barred from accessing Treasury Department payment systems.
The Treasury Department must submit a report by March 24, 2025, confirming:
- DOGE associates have been properly vetted, have security clearances, and have received training.
- Mitigation measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access.
- Clear reporting chains for DOGE’s role within the Treasury Department.
The ruling signals serious concerns about how DOGE operates within federal agencies and whether its oversight is adequate.
Legal and Political Fallout
This decision could significantly impact DOGE’s ability to carry out its mission, as its unrestricted access to federal financial data was key to identifying waste, fraud, and inefficiencies.
However, critics argue that DOGE’s “rush to access” critical systems risked exposing private data and lacked proper safeguards.
- State Attorneys General have hailed the ruling as a victory for privacy and security.
- Trump administration officials and DOGE leadership are expected to appeal the decision.
- Congress may intervene, demanding greater transparency on DOGE’s role within the Treasury Department.
With the March 24 deadline for Treasury’s report approaching, the future of DOGE’s financial oversight remains uncertain.
