The Trump administration is seeking to overturn a temporary restraining order that prevents political appointees, including those in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), from accessing Treasury Department financial systems. The order, issued by U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, has ignited a legal battle over the president’s authority to oversee the executive branch.
The emergency motion filed Sunday night argues that the court order violates Article II of the Constitution, which grants the president the power to supervise executive agencies. The administration contends that restricting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and DOGE’s Elon Musk from accessing key financial records interferes with government operations.
The lawsuit was filed by 19 Democratic-led states, claiming that DOGE’s access to Treasury data is unauthorized. Judge Engelmayer’s ruling bars all political appointees from Treasury databases and mandates the immediate destruction of any records accessed since January 20.
The administration has called the order “overbroad” and warned that it could disrupt government financial operations. Treasury officials have argued that politically appointed leadership must have oversight of agency functions to ensure proper management.
Vice President JD Vance condemned the ruling, comparing it to a judge attempting to control military operations. “Judges aren’t allowed to dictate how the executive branch conducts its legitimate responsibilities,” Vance said.
A hearing is scheduled for February 14, where the court will decide whether to extend or modify the order. If the request to vacate is denied, the administration is expected to appeal the ruling.
