Elon Musk’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Faces Legal Blow: US Judge Blocks Treasury Access

Musk’s Dodge Faces Legal Hurdle

Elon Musk’s controversial Department of Government Efficiency (Dodge) has hit yet another roadblock. A US District Judge, Paul Engl, has issued an injunction preventing Dodge from accessing sensitive Treasury Department records. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic-led states against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of unlawfully allowing Musk’s team to access the government’s payment systems.

At the heart of the controversy lies billions of dollars in federal payments and the personal financial data of millions of Americans, including Social Security numbers and bank account details.

Dodge’s Dubious Standing: A Private Entity in Government Affairs?

Unlike other federal agencies, Dodge is not a government department. Its creation has triggered lawsuits from government unions, watchdog organizations, and public interest groups, questioning both its legality and transparency.

Adding to the uncertainty, Musk:

• Does not draw a government salary for his role.
• Has not disclosed who funds Dodge or how its employees are paid.
• Gained access to the Treasury Department’s payment system without established oversight.

Despite these concerns, Musk’s team managed to access the Treasury’s payment system last Friday, which processes over $1 trillion in annual federal payments.

A New Power Center in Washington?

Elon Musk’s rapid expansion into US government functions has led to the formation of what some critics are calling a shadow power center. His influence, backed by Trump’s full support, is reshaping the federal landscape in ways never seen before.

Trump, in his usual style, brushed off concerns when asked about Time Magazine’s latest provocative cover on Musk’s actions, sarcastically stating:

“Is Time Magazine still in business? I didn’t even know that. Elon is doing a great job. He’s finding tremendous fraud, corruption, and waste. You see it with US aid, but you’re going to see it even more in other agencies and other parts of government. He’s got a staff that’s fantastic.”

While Trump defends Musk’s role in uncovering government inefficiencies, critics argue that Dodge is operating without legal authority, oversight, or accountability.

What’s Next for Musk and Dodge?

With a federal injunction now blocking access to Treasury records, Dodge faces increasing scrutiny. Legal battles are likely to intensify as states and watchdog groups seek to dismantle Musk’s involvement in government operations.

Will Musk’s push for government efficiency prove to be a game-changer or a legal disaster? The coming months will decide the fate of Dodge and Musk’s growing influence over Washington.