In a significant legal development, New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured a federal injunction preventing Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive personal data of American citizens. This action follows concerns over unauthorized access to the U.S. Treasury Department’s central payment system, which handles critical financial information, including Social Security numbers and bank account details.
The lawsuit, initiated by a coalition of 19 state attorneys general led by James, challenges the Trump administration’s decision to grant DOGE access to the Treasury’s systems. The coalition argues that this move violates federal laws and constitutional protections, posing risks to individuals’ privacy and the integrity of federal programs. The court’s decision mandates that any data already accessed by DOGE be destroyed and restricts further access pending the lawsuit’s outcome.
This case underscores the ongoing debate over data privacy, governmental oversight, and the extent of authority granted to non-elected officials. As the legal proceedings continue, the implications for data security and administrative accountability remain at the forefront of national discourse.
