Attorneys for the Justice Department have come to an agreement to temporarily restrict staff affiliated with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from accessing information within the Treasury Department’s payment system. This decision follows a lawsuit filed by a group of union members and retirees against the Treasury Department, claiming that allowing DOGE access to the federal government’s extensive payment and collection system, along with the personal data it contains, violated federal privacy laws. The Trump administration filed a motion on Wednesday night seeking to enter a proposed order outlining the agreed-upon terms. The proposed order states that “The Defendants will not provide access to any payment record or payment system of records maintained by or within the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.”
The White House and the parties involved in the lawsuit have not yet issued responses to the development. The lawsuit argues that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acted unlawfully by granting DOGE access to the secure system, suggesting that private information could be at risk. The plaintiffs are concerned about potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and the implications of such access.
Allegations and Denials
During a hearing before U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, a Justice Department lawyer refuted claims that Treasury was sharing personal information of Americans with third parties. The attorney, Bradley Humphreys, clarified that while two DOGE appointees classified as special government employees, similar to Musk’s status, have been allowed access to the systems, there is no intention for them or any other DOGE employee at the Treasury to share information beyond the department.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., criticized Musk’s role in DOGE, portraying him as an unelected figure wielding significant power without proper oversight. Musk has defended DOGE as a necessary tool to streamline bureaucratic processes, emphasizing the need to curb wasteful spending. His involvement in the Trump administration as a “special government employee” suggests a limited tenure, indicating a temporary contribution to the Department of Government Efficiency.
DOGE’s Impact and Future Plans
Under Musk’s guidance, DOGE has targeted various federal agencies for restructuring and efficiency improvements. The U.S. Agency for International Development has faced scrutiny, leading to a slowdown in humanitarian aid efforts. Musk’s influence extends to other government branches, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, signaling a broader impact on federal operations. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans for DOGE to play a role in upgrading the aviation system, highlighting the entity’s expanding reach within the government.
As NBC News reporters Daniel Barnes, Dareh Gregorian, and Zoë Richards cover this unfolding situation, the implications of the temporary restriction on DOGE’s access to Treasury Department payment systems remain a focal point of discussion. The ongoing legal battle and the broader context of Musk’s involvement in reshaping government operations underscore the complexities and controversies surrounding this issue. With expert insights and diverse perspectives, the evolving narrative surrounding DOGE’s access to sensitive financial data continues to captivate public attention.
Daniel Barnes reports for NBC News from Washington, while Dareh Gregorian and Zoë Richards contribute their expertise to provide in-depth analysis and coverage of this high-stakes legal dispute. As the story develops, stay tuned for further updates on the implications and outcomes of the temporary restriction on DOGE’s access to federal payment systems.
