The Trump administration has filed an emergency motion to overturn a federal court order that blocks political appointees from accessing Treasury Department financial systems. The restraining order, issued by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, limits access to career civil servants and bars all political leadership from viewing key government payment systems.
Judge Engelmayer’s decision was issued ex parte, meaning Trump administration attorneys were not given prior notice or the chance to argue against the restrictions. The order specifically targets the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, as well as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, preventing them from overseeing payments related to Social Security, tax refunds, and federal employee salaries.
The administration is arguing that the order is unconstitutional, violating Article II, which grants the president authority over executive branch operations. In its filing, the administration stated, “No court can issue an injunction that directly severs the clear line of supervision Article II requires.”
The restraining order also mandates the immediate destruction of any Treasury records that may have been accessed by DOGE since January 20, the date of Trump’s inauguration. A hearing is scheduled for February 14 to determine whether the order will be extended or revised.
Vice President JD Vance criticized the ruling, saying it undermines the executive branch’s ability to manage federal agencies. “Judges aren’t allowed to dictate how the executive branch carries out its legitimate responsibilities,” he said.
The legal battle stems from a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic-led states, which argue that DOGE should not have access to Treasury financial records. The administration maintains that restricting oversight of federal financial systems to civil servants alone creates accountability concerns.
