Federal Judge Denies Blocking Access for DOGE Staff to Treasury Payment System
Federal Ruling on DOGE Employees' Access to Treasury Payment System
A federal judge on Friday rejected a request to block employees from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing a sensitive federal payment system at the Treasury Department. U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly found that the Alliance for Retired Americans and several employee unions failed to demonstrate irreparable harm if access was granted.
Judge's Findings and Implications
- In her ruling, Judge Kollar-Kotelly stated that no immediate plans were presented to compromise private information.
- The judge lifted an earlier restriction on access to the Fiscal Service, a system that processes 90% of federal payments.
- Despite this ruling, another existing injunction remains, which partially bars the DOGE team from accessing the Fiscal Service.
Background of the Case
- The requested access initially allowed two DOGE-affiliated employees.
- Key figures included Cloud Software Group CEO Tom Krause and 25-year-old Marko Elez, though the order was updated upon Elez's resignation.
- Currently, a new employee, Ryan Wunderly, has received access to the Fiscal Service.
While Judge Kollar-Kotelly's decision could help facilitate operations at the Treasury, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas has imposed conditions under which DOGE could regain access in the future.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.