Summary

A federal judge granted 19 states a temporary restraining order blocking employees of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing taxpayer records.

The lawsuit, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, argues that DOGE’s expanded access poses cybersecurity risks, violates federal laws, and interferes with congressionally appropriated funds.

Judge Paul Engelmayer cited potential “irreparable harm” from data breaches.

The court also questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s role in altering data protection policies.

Musk’s budget cuts and influence over federal agencies have sparked multiple legal challenges.