Trump Administration Seeks to Modify Court Order Blocking DOGE Access to Treasury Systems

Trump Administration Files Motion to Modify Court Order on DOGE Access

The Trump administration has initiated a legal challenge aimed at modifying a court’s temporary restraining order that currently restricts access to sensitive Treasury Department payment records by the Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE.

In a formal motion, Tom Krause, the CEO of Cloud Software Group, Inc., contended that it’s crucial for senior political appointees, including the Treasury Secretary and other top officials, to participate in briefings concerning information derived from Treasury data. Krause emphasized that these officials must retain this access in order to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

Although Krause acknowledged that these high-ranking officials do not typically require access to such information, he argued that unforeseen circumstances might arise necessitating their involvement. He served as a special government employee at the Treasury, bringing a unique perspective to the discussion.

Judge’s Initial Ruling on Access to Treasury Data

Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly issued a temporary restraining order that explicitly prohibited political appointees, special government employees, and staff from other agencies from accessing Treasury Department payment systems or any data that includes personally identifiable information. This ruling highlights the careful consideration given to protecting sensitive information.

The judge further mandated that anyone who previously had access to this sensitive data must immediately delete all copies of material downloaded from Treasury records. This aspect of the ruling underscores the judge’s commitment to safeguarding vital information from potential misuse.

Legal Action Against the Administration

This legal maneuver comes on the heels of a lawsuit filed by a coalition of 19 state attorneys general. They accuse President Donald Trump, along with the U.S. Treasury and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, of unlawfully granting DOGE access to the Treasury’s payment systems. The lawsuit intensifies scrutiny of the administration’s handling of sensitive Treasury data.

In an earlier order, Kollar-Kotelly reiterated that Treasury officials would not grant access to any payment records or information systems managed by the Bureau of Fiscal Service. This bureau is responsible for managing approximately 90% of federal payments, making the protection of its data essential.

New Restrictions Proposed by the Justice Department

On a related note, the Justice Department agreed to a proposed court order that would confine access to sensitive records to just two special government employees within DOGE, granting them read-only permissions. Kollar-Kotelly quickly endorsed this motion on Thursday, further narrowing the scope of access amid ongoing concerns.

The lawsuits filed by several government employee unions highlighted tensions regarding who possesses the right to access sensitive government materials. These unions expressed alarm over what they perceived as potential overreach by Bessent in permitting DOGE unsanctioned access to critical Treasury information.

Current Access and Changes to Policy

Under the temporary order, only Krause and Marko Elez, an engineer who previously worked at a Musk company, were permitted access to the Treasury’s Fiscal Service. However, following Saturday’s order, limitations on this access were further reinforced.

While Krause and Elez were previously designated as special government employees in the Treasury Department, it is worth noting that Elez has since resigned, leaving Krause as a key player in these ongoing discussions regarding access policy.

The Bigger Picture: Ensuring Data Security

This ongoing situation sheds light on the broader implications of data security within government agencies. As the debate continues, the balance between accessibility for government officials and the protection of sensitive information remains a crucial concern.

The Trump administration’s efforts to modify access restrictions reflect a larger trend within government administrations seeking to navigate complex bureaucracies and adapt to the evolving needs of data management.

As developments unfold, observers will be keenly watching how the court responds to the administration’s motion and what this means for the future of data access in federal agencies. The legal landscape surrounding government transparency and data security continues to evolve, and the outcomes here could set important precedents.