California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has granted a temporary restraining order. This order prevents associates of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing private information belonging to Americans while ongoing litigation continues.
Attorney General Bonta stated, "Our country cannot afford to have people in the driver’s seat who move fast and break things, especially when the things they’re breaking are critical and sensitive systems that millions of Americans rely on." He added, "We are pleased the court swiftly granted our request to block unauthorized personnel, including DOGE associates, from accessing millions of Americans’ private and sensitive data."
The lawsuit filed by Attorney General Bonta is part of a coalition involving 19 attorneys general. It aims to prevent DOGE associates from obtaining access to sensitive Treasury Department materials such as bank account details and social security numbers. The court's decision came hours after this lawsuit was filed.
While this order remains effective, it restricts the Trump Administration from allowing political appointees or employees outside the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Fiscal Services access to these records. Only civil servants within the Bureau who have completed necessary background checks and security clearances may handle such material. Additionally, anyone prohibited by this order but who has accessed sensitive information since January 20, 2025, must destroy all copies immediately.
A copy of the court's decision is available for review.