# **DOJ: Elon Musk Lacks Access to Treasury Department Information**
A recent legal action has raised questions about whether Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have gained access to confidential financial information from the U.S. Treasury Department. However, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) asserts that there is no indication that Musk himself can access this information. The case has ignited extensive discussion regarding governmental transparency, data protection, and Musk’s increasing sway in public service.
## **Details of the Legal Action**
The issue emerged when reports indicated that DOGE, an initiative led by Musk to eradicate governmental inefficiencies, might have acquired access to Treasury Department data. This prompted a lawsuit that aimed to secure a **temporary restraining order** to stop DOGE from examining Americans’ financial records.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly suggested a middle ground: permitting two **special government employees** hired by the Treasury Department to maintain access to payments data while barring DOGE and other external parties from directly overseeing it. This move is designed to safeguard sensitive financial information as the legal proceedings unfold.
## **Who Holds Access to Treasury Data?**
During the hearing, DOJ attorney Bradley Humphreys clarified that just one special government employee, **Marko Elez**, enjoys “read-only” access to the Treasury’s payment system. Elez, with prior experience at **SpaceX** and **social media platform X**, now acts as a consultant within the Treasury Department.
Elez reports to **Tom Krause**, another special government employee, who does not have direct access to the payment system. Krause, the CEO of **Cloud Software Group**, is also viewed as a supporter of Musk. Yet, despite these links, Humphreys stressed that **DOGE itself does not possess access to Treasury data**.
## **Judge Calls for Enhanced Transparency**
Judge Kollar-Kotelly voiced her concerns about the ambiguity surrounding the connection between DOGE and the Treasury Department. She inquired whether DOGE intended to seek future access to the data, but Humphreys refrained from commenting, deeming it irrelevant to the case.
The judge highlighted that a **temporary restraining order** would help maintain the present situation while ensuring that no new third parties acquire access to sensitive financial information. This would enable both sides to gain a clearer understanding of the current governmental processes prior to advancing their legal arguments.
## **What Lies Ahead?**
An attorney representing **retirees and government employees** impacted by the case indicated that the suggested compromise would be agreeable to the plaintiffs. However, Humphreys mentioned that he needed to secure consent from his clients before accepting any proposals.
The involved parties are anticipated to reconvene later today to determine whether to endorse or contest the temporary restraining order. The resolution of this matter could carry considerable consequences for governmental data security and Musk’s involvement in public service.
Ars Technica will keep providing updates as further information emerges.
