States Say in Lawsuit That Donald Trump Violated Constitution’s Basic Precepts
New York TimesFEB 18
Judge Blocks Musk's DOGE From Treasury Data Access
Above: A sign is seen at a press conference held by the Congressional Progressive Caucus on Elon Musk's government interference on Feb. 6, 2025, in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Kayla Bartkowski/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Democratic narrative
The virtually unfettered access to the federal government's most sensitive information poses massive cybersecurity and privacy risks that could compromise the sensitive financial information of millions of Americans. DOGE lacks proper authorization and threatens to illegally block federal funds for healthcare, childcare, and other critical programs that Americans depend on. Pres. Trump doesn't have the power to give away Americans' private information to an unelected group or to cut federal payments approved by Congress from reaching disfavored beneficiaries.
Republican narrative
The Treasury Department review aims to maximize payment integrity for agencies and the public and eliminate wasteful government spending. The initiative is saving taxpayers millions of dollars while working to rein in bloated government finances. Elon Musk's DOGE had been granted read-only access to improve efficiency. Pres. Trump, committed to safeguarding the integrity and security of the system, will continue his efforts to promote efficiency and effectiveness in Treasury's operations and to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.