A federal judge on Saturday issued a temporary block on most Trump administration officials, including Elon Musk and allies, from accessing sensitive Treasury records. This restriction will be in place for at least a week to allow legal proceedings in New York to unfold.
Legal Intervention
Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer made the decision after an emergency request by 19 Democratic attorneys general who expressed concerns about Musk's allies attempting to control Treasury's sensitive payment systems. These systems hold personal information of millions of Americans and government financial transactions.
Engelmayer concurred with the states' concerns that sudden policy changes by the Trump administration posed risks of data exposure or hacking. He indicated that the legal validity of the new arrangement was likely to be questioned successfully.
Scope of Restriction
Prior to this order, access to the Treasury system was limited to a small group, including Musk's associates serving as 'special government employees.' However, Engelmayer's ruling broadened the restriction to encompass all Musk-associated officials and various government employees until at least Feb. 14, pending a hearing by another federal judge.
Only civil servants with proper clearances and training are now allowed access to the sensitive system. Political appointees or special government employees linked to Musk are explicitly prohibited from entry. Additionally, officials previously granted access must delete any downloaded material immediately.
Judicial Oversight
This intervention is part of a series of legal actions curbing the Trump administration's rapid restructuring efforts, spearheaded by Musk's office. Engelmayer's order follows other judicial blocks on dismantling agencies and implementing controversial policies.
While Engelmayer issued the temporary order, the case will be overseen by U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2020.