A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking political appointees, including those from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), from accessing sensitive US Treasury Department data.
This decision follows a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic state attorneys general, highlighting concerns over the security and privacy of sensitive financial information.
The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s policy allowing such access violates federal laws, particularly by expanding permissions to individuals outside the traditional scope of Treasury employees.
The judge cited risks of “irreparable harm” due to the potential for data breaches or misuse of confidential information.
The order specifically restricts access for “all political appointees, special government employees, and government employees detailed from an agency outside the Treasury Department.”
This move has ignited a debate over government transparency and efficiency, with some arguing it’s a necessary safeguard while others view it as an obstruction to cost-cutting efforts.
Netizens’ responses reflect a polarised response, with some users decrying the decision as an example of “lawfare” that undermines elected officials’ ability to oversee government operations.
Others support the ruling to protect personal and financial data from potential mismanagement or unauthorised access.
The temporary order is set for review, and a hearing is scheduled to further consider the matter.
There is an ongoing tension between administrative oversight and data security within the government, particularly in an era when digital information is both vital and vulnerable.
