The Justice Department, under President Trump's leadership, is contesting a federal judge's decision to restrict Elon Musk and his associates from accessing Treasury Department data. The ruling, issued by Judge Paul Engelmayer, prevents Department of Government Efficiency officials from obtaining sensitive personal information. While the Trump administration claims substantial compliance with the order, the DOJ argues the ruling is unconstitutional, highlighting that even Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is barred from accessing the data.

Vice President JD Vance criticized the decision on X, characterizing it as judicial overreach and an infringement on the executive branch's authority. He argued that judges shouldn't interfere with executive powers, drawing parallels to military operations and prosecutorial discretion.

President Trump's DOGE initiative has been blocked from accessing Treasury Department data. (AP/Alex Brandon)

Other White House officials supported Vance's position, asserting that the judge is obstructing DOGE's attempts to eliminate government waste. Deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller criticized what he called a "shadow force" of unelected bureaucrats hindering DOGE's work.

Elon Musk criticized the judge who blocked DOGE's data access. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Musk himself denounced the judge as corrupt and called for impeachment. President Trump expressed disappointment in the ruling, stating that no judge should have the authority to make such a decision.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testified before the Senate Finance Committee. (Getty)

Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James alleges that DOGE aims to use the data to unlawfully obstruct payments to vital programs.