Judge Halts DOGE’s Breach of Treasury Records

Federal judge Paul Engelmayer has issued a preliminary injunction to prevent Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing and using sensitive financial data belonging to millions of Americans.

The court order mandated DOGE to destroy any obtained data. A hearing was also held on February 14th, where further legal action was debated. Allegedly acting under Musk’s direction, DOGE operatives accessed taxpayer and business financial records without oversight, sparking fears of potential misuse for financial gain, political interference, or market manipulation. The breach raises ongoing questions about how such sensitive information was accessed so swiftly and without legal review.

The lack of due process is particularly troubling, drawing comparisons to President Donald Trump’s legal battles over his financial records. Trump’s data was only accessed after lengthy court reviews, while DOGE bypassed these safeguards entirely.

Reports indicate that young, inexperienced hires were handling the data, heightening fears of errors, leaks, and abuse. This includes potential identity theft, frozen bank accounts, and disruption of government benefits such as Social Security and veterans’ pensions. The breach recalls historical cases like Wilkes v. Wood, which influenced the US Constitution’s Fourth Amendment on privacy.

Legal experts and privacy advocates are calling for congressional intervention to investigate the breach and implement stricter protections. The Supreme Court’s recent rulings on data privacy, such as concerns over TikTok’s data practices, underline the urgency. As legal proceedings continue, the public awaits clarity on the breach’s scope, those responsible, and measures undertaken to prevent future violations.

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