Attorney General Anne Lopez announced a significant legal victory following a federal judge’s decision to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The ruling, issued by the Southern District of New York, prevents Musk and DOGE employees from accessing sensitive personal information of Americans. This development comes after Attorney General Lopez, along with 18 other attorneys general, filed a lawsuit to halt such access.
The court determined that the states had strong statutory claims and would face irreparable harm without immediate intervention. As per the court order, Musk and his team are required to destroy any records they have already obtained.
Attorney General Lopez expressed satisfaction with the decision: “I am pleased with the swift actions to halt the DOGEʻs unfettered, unlawful and unconstitutional access to our personal information held by the federal government. The state of Hawaiʻi will always put the safety and security of our residents first and foremost.”
This legal action follows a recent policy change by the U.S. Department of the Treasury that allowed “special government employees,” including those from DOGE, access to its central payment system. This system contains private data essential for Social Security payments, veterans’ benefits, Medicare and Medicaid payments, among others. It also manages billions in funds critical for state services like law enforcement and public education.
The Southern District Court of New York is set to hear further arguments on February 14, 2025, regarding a preliminary injunction sought by the coalition.
Hawaiʻi’s representation in this case includes Solicitor General Kalikoʻonālani Fernandes and Special Assistant Dave Day. Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont; Wisconsin joined Attorney General Lopez in this lawsuit.
