Elon Musk took a victory lap on Wednesday, updating his X bio to “White House Tech Support” after his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) faced its first legal challenge. Despite backlash from federal employees, Musk’s allies continue dismantling government agencies under President Donald Trump’s directive.
His latest stunt came as a federal judge issued a temporary restriction on DOGE’s access to the Treasury’s $5 trillion system, marking the first setback for the billionaire’s government purge.
Court blocks full access to Treasury’s sensitive data
A last-minute legal challenge led to a compromise, granting only two Musk loyalists—engineers Tom Krause and Marko Elez—limited “read-only” access to the Treasury database. The system holds tax returns, Social Security numbers, and confidential federal employee salaries.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, a Clinton appointee, will revisit the case on February 24, but for now, Musk’s power remains unchecked as he continues eliminating what he calls “wasteful spending.”
Government workers fight back as resignations soar
DOGE’s rapid overhaul has triggered mass protests and resignations. Treasury’s Acting Deputy Secretary David Lebryk stepped down after more than 30 years of service following DOGE’s request for access to sensitive financial records.
With USAID, the Department of Education, and DEI programs already slashed, unions are scrambling to challenge Musk’s authority. Some agencies, including the CIA, are even offering buyouts—eight months’ pay and benefits—to employees willing to resign.
Musk’s influence sparks outrage in Washington
As DOGE wipes out entire departments, Democrats are in crisis mode. Senator Elizabeth Warren warned that “Elon Musk is seizing power from the American people,” while Senator Patty Murray slammed him as “an unelected billionaire hijacking the nation’s financial system.”
Protesters have flooded the streets, chanting “Deport Musk” and “Do your job, Congress!”—a sign that resistance to Musk’s growing power is only escalating.
Republicans split over Musk’s role in Trump’s White House
While Trump has openly embraced Musk’s role in government, a recent poll shows Republican support for Musk’s influence is fading. With legal battles mounting and bipartisan concerns over his unchecked power, the battle over DOGE’s authority is far from over.
