USA US court stops Musk panel from accessing sensitive data
A federal court in New York has severely restricted tech billionaire Elon Musk and his cost-cutting body Doge's access to sensitive payment systems of the US Treasury Department for the time being. According to the preliminary injunction, there is a risk of "irreparable harm" - not only due to the possible disclosure of confidential information, but also because of the increased risk of hacker attacks.
08.02.2025, 15:41
SDA
The court ordered certain individuals who have had access to payment systems since January 20 - the day of US President Donald Trump's inauguration - to "immediately destroy all copies of material" that may have been downloaded.
The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of 19 Democratic attorneys general. "President Trump does not have the authority to share our private data at will," said New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The court has scheduled a hearing in the case for February 14. The Treasury Department's system handles Social Security payments to millions of Americans, tax refunds and the salaries of federal employees, among other things.
Cost cuts - or political control?
Since taking office, Trump has been driving forward the restructuring of the state apparatus. He has entrusted Musk with reducing government spending and created the Doge ("Department of Government Efficiency") committee for this purpose - with unclear powers. Critics fear that this is less about making savings and more about tighter political control.
Several lawsuits have been filed against this approach. Previously, a court in Washington had already temporarily restricted Doge's access to the Treasury Department's payment system to two people with read-only access. However, an injunction against access to Department of Labor data requested by trade unions was rejected after restrictions had initially been imposed.
Meanwhile, there is growing concern in Washington as to whether Musk and Trump are even complying with court orders. According to media reports, many of the Doge employees were recruited from Musk's companies and follow a strategy typical of Silicon Valley: act quickly, circumvent structures and ensure maximum control.
