The Trump administration is urgently challenging a court order that bars top officials from accessing the federal government's payment system operated by the Treasury Department. The administration deems this court order as a significant intrusion that violates the constitution and must be dissolved immediately.
Legal Battle Over Access
The Justice Department, in an 11-page filing, emphasized the need for politically accountable leadership to supervise every executive agency's work. They argue that the current order restricting access to the payment system is impermissible and anti-constitutional.
Manhattan-based U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas issued the order in response to concerns raised by states regarding potential security risks associated with certain individuals' access to the Treasury system. The administration is now actively negotiating with the states to reach a resolution that would modify the current restrictions.
Public Outcry and Compliance
The court order has sparked controversy among Trump allies who view it as an overreach that could impede the president's authority over the Treasury Department. Despite these concerns, the Justice Department asserts that Treasury officials have been abiding by the restrictions set forth in the order.
While some individuals, like Musk ally Thomas Krause, had access to the system prior to the order, they have since discontinued their access in compliance with the court's directive. The Justice Department also addressed the departure of another individual, Marko Elez, who resigned amid controversy over social media posts.
Call for Action
The Justice Department is urging Judge Vargas to either lift the restrictions immediately or, at the very least, delay them to allow for further arguments in court. They emphasize the urgency for Treasury leaders to regain access to the payment system to fulfill their duties effectively.
Furthermore, the system is regularly accessed by external agencies and organizations that make payments to the government, underscoring the importance of resolving this issue promptly.