A federal judge's ruling brings new scrutiny to Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency team and its access to sensitive Treasury records.

According to the New York Post, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly imposed restrictions on DOGE's access to Treasury Department payment systems, as one team member resigned over racist social media posts.

The judge's order came after three prominent union groups filed a lawsuit against Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, challenging the legality of sharing member information with Musk's cost-cutting initiative.

The Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees, and Service Employees International Union united in their legal action to protect sensitive payment data.

Treasury Department faces union backlash over data sharing

The ruling specifically targeted two DOGE employees who had been granted special access to Treasury systems. Tom Krause, CEO of Cloud Software Group Inc., and Marko Elez, a former SpaceX and X engineer, received "special government employee" status with offices at Treasury and agency email addresses.

Judge Kollar-Kotelly's temporary order effectively prevents the DOGE team from implementing changes to the payment records system. The restriction applies particularly to data related to trillions of dollars in annual Treasury payments.

These limitations reflect growing concerns about the scope of DOGE's authority and access to sensitive financial information. The judge's decision establishes clear boundaries for the team's involvement in Treasury operations.

Controversial social media posts lead to sudden resignation

Marko Elez's departure from DOGE occurred shortly after The Wall Street Journal exposed his controversial social media history. The 25-year-old engineer's posts, linked to the account @nullllptr (previously @marko_elez), contained inflammatory content targeting specific ethnic groups.

The Journal's investigation uncovered posts advocating for "eugenic immigration policy" and expressing hostility toward various communities. These revelations prompted immediate action from the White House.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Elez's resignation when approached for comment about the disturbing social media content. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by government appointees' social media histories.

Judge imposes strict limitations on Treasury access

The Clinton-appointed judge established clear parameters for DOGE's involvement with Treasury systems. Her ruling specifically addressed concerns about data protection and system modifications.

The order mandates "read only" access for authorized personnel, preventing any alterations to the payment records system. This restriction aims to maintain the integrity of Treasury operations while allowing limited oversight.

These measures reflect a careful balance between enabling government efficiency initiatives and protecting sensitive financial data. The judge's decision sets a precedent for future interactions between external efficiency teams and federal agencies.

Results await as legal battle unfolds

The lawsuit represents a significant challenge to the Trump administration's government efficiency initiatives. Three major union groups have united to protect their members' information from potential misuse.

The temporary nature of the judge's order suggests further legal proceedings will determine the long-term relationship between DOGE and Treasury operations. This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing debate about government modernization efforts.

The situation highlights the delicate balance between implementing cost-cutting measures and maintaining data security. The outcome of this legal battle could influence future government efficiency programs and their access to sensitive information.

Final assessment of DOGE Treasury involvement

A federal judge's intervention has significantly impacted Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency team's access to Treasury payment records. The ruling came in response to concerns raised by three union groups about the sharing of sensitive member information.

The situation escalated with the resignation of DOGE team member Marko Elez following revelations about his controversial social media posts, while Judge Kollar-Kotelly's order restricts the team's ability to modify or share Treasury payment data. The case continues to develop as both sides await further legal proceedings to determine the future of DOGE's involvement with Treasury operations.