The Trump administration challenges a court order blocking access to classified Treasury data for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
At a Glance
- Trump administration files motion to vacate or modify restraining order on DOGE’s Treasury access
- Court order blocks DOGE and political appointees from accessing sensitive Treasury payment records
- Cloud Software Group CEO argues for necessity of high-level appointees’ access to Treasury data
- 19 Attorneys General filed lawsuit against Trump administration for unauthorized DOGE access
- Judge’s order requires destruction of previously downloaded Treasury material
Trump Administration Challenges Court Order
President Donald Trump’s administration has taken legal action to lift or modify a court order that currently restricts the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing classified Treasury Department data. The administration filed a motion to vacate or alter the temporary restraining order issued by Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, which prohibits DOGE and political appointees from accessing sensitive Treasury Department payment records.
The legal dispute stems from concerns raised by government employee unions about improper access to Treasury data as part of a government-wide evaluation. In response, 19 Attorneys General filed a lawsuit against President Trump, the U.S. Treasury, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, alleging unauthorized access by DOGE to sensitive financial information.
Arguments for Treasury Data Access
Tom Krause, CEO of Cloud Software Group, Inc., has argued for the necessity of high-level political appointees to access Treasury data to effectively carry out their job duties. The Trump administration contends that this access is crucial for appointees to execute their responsibilities and conduct the necessary government evaluations.
Judge Kollar-Kotelly’s order not only restricts access to Treasury payment systems and data but also mandates the destruction of any material previously downloaded from Treasury records by those who had access. Initially, access to sensitive records was limited to two special government employees within DOGE, Tom Krause and Marko Elez, with read-only permission. However, Elez has since resigned from his position.
— Jeremy Arnold (@jdotarnold) November 18, 2024
The outcome of this legal challenge will likely have significant implications for the relationship between executive agencies and their access to classified data, as well as the role of judicial oversight in such matters.
