Judicial Hurdles for Musk's Government Efficiency Efforts

A federal judge extended a block on Elon Musk's DOGE from accessing U.S. Treasury systems, as Democratic states sued to curb the government's cost-cutting efforts. The DOGE initiative, part of Trump's administration, faces legal challenges and widespread opposition from various sectors, questioning its impact on sensitive information and public services.

Elon Musk's quest to streamline government spending encountered legal obstacles on Friday, as a federal judge extended a restriction on his cost-cutting team, DOGE, from accessing crucial U.S. Treasury systems. Democratic state officials and unions are turning to the courts in a bid to restrain Musk's initiatives.

In Manhattan, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas prolonged a temporary block preventing DOGE's access to systems managing vast payments, pending a decision on a more permanent injunction. The move is part of widespread legal actions—around 70 lawsuits—challenging various Trump administration policies.

Critics argue that DOGE lacks legal authority and could disrupt essential public services, while Trump's administration emphasizes the necessity of monitoring waste. Meanwhile, judges across the country are considering similar cases, reflecting widespread legal battles over the administration's controversial cost-cutting measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)