A coalition of U.S. states has launched a substantial legal challenge against Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aiming to prevent its access to crucial Treasury systems. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, seeks a temporary restraining order to bar DOGE from these systems, which are integral for managing federal funding for various programs such as health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives. The legal action, spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James, represents a concerted effort by Democratic-led states to counter the perceived overreach of DOGE, which they claim lacks the legal authority to access these sensitive systems.
The lawsuit raises significant concerns that the involvement of Republican President Donald Trump, who appointed Musk to lead DOGE, could further politicize the issue. The states argue that Trump's actions violate his constitutional duty to faithfully execute federal laws, suggesting that Musk and DOGE's access to Treasury systems could be leveraged to advance Trump's political agenda.
The attorneys general of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington, and New Jersey have joined James in this lawsuit. They argue that granting DOGE access not only poses cybersecurity risks but also violates federal laws requiring privacy impact assessments before accessing personal information. The Treasury systems in question contain data on millions of Americans, heightening the stakes of this legal confrontation.
"Poses huge cybersecurity risks that put vast amounts of funding for the States and their residents in peril" – The attorneys general
In an earlier ruling, a federal judge ordered the Treasury Department to restrict access to only two designated "special government employees," with stipulations that their access remain read-only. This decision underscores the sensitivity and potential impact of allowing broader access to these systems.
Further complicating matters, the lawsuit claims that DOGE's attempts to access the payment system unlawfully usurp Congressional powers. The states assert that DOGE's actions bypass necessary legislative oversight, raising fundamental questions about the separation of powers within the federal government.
In addition to the Manhattan case, similar lawsuits aim to block DOGE from accessing data within the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Education. These coordinated legal efforts reflect a broader strategy by Democratic-led states to challenge what they perceive as executive overreach under the current administration.
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