In a recent decision, a federal judge in Manhattan has upheld a restriction preventing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive information from the Treasury Department. However, the judge dismissed wider prohibitive measures proposed by a coalition of 19 Democratic state attorneys general who filed a lawsuit regarding the issue.
Judge Jeannette A. Vargas issued a preliminary injunction on Friday, indicating that she might reconsider lifting this ban should the Treasury Department verify that those involved with DOGE have completed mandatory cybersecurity training by March 24.
In her ruling, Vargas pointed out that the ongoing modernization efforts undertaken by DOGE to enhance the Treasury’s payment systems are not being hindered by this temporary restriction. She emphasized that the delay is necessary to ensure the safeguarding of sensitive personal information belonging to millions of Americans.
Vargas highlighted the severe potential repercussions that could arise from a cybersecurity incident without addressing specific concerns, stating, “The potential consequences of a cybersecurity breach could be catastrophic,” in her detailed 64-page opinion.
The state attorneys general had aimed to prohibit Musk’s team from creating both automated and manual procedures that could disrupt transactions processed through the Treasury’s payment channels. In her ruling, Vargas favored a more focused remedy rather than granting the broad relief that was sought, aiming specifically to mitigate risks associated with the exposure of private banking data in the event of a data breach.
