New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop the unauthorized disclosure of Americans’ private information and sensitive data. The lawsuit asserts that the Trump Administration illegally provided Elon Musk and the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (“DOGE”) unauthorized access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system, and therefore to Americans’ most sensitive personal information, including bank account details and Social Security numbers. This expanded access could allow Musk and his team to block federal funds to states and programs providing health care, child care, and other critical services. With this lawsuit, the coalition of attorneys general is seeking to stop the Trump Administration’s new policy that illegally grants DOGE, Musk, and others access to Americans’ confidential information and the U.S. Treasury’s payment systems.
“President Trump has allowed an unelected billionaire to infiltrate key federal agencies and systems that store Social Security numbers, banking information, and other extremely sensitive data for millions of people,” said Attorney General Platkin. “These unlawful actions have put at risk the financial and information security of our State and residents and Americans across the country, and they are completely unacceptable. Americans never elected Elon Musk, and our lawsuit seeks to protect New Jerseyans from this unprecedented breach of privacy, and of the laws of our nation. I will never back down from a fight to protect our residents from harm — even if it is against the richest man in the world.”
Beginning February 2, 2025, the Trump administration’s Treasury Department adopted a new policy that grants “special government employees,” including Elon Musk and members of DOGE, access to its central payment system operated by the Bureau of Fiscal Services (“BFS”). This central payment system controls vital funding that millions of Americans depend on, including Social Security payments, veterans benefits, Medicare and Medicaid payments, and more. The payment system also controls billions of dollars that states rely on to support essential services like law enforcement, public education, and infrastructure repairs.
Access to BFS is limited by federal law to a select group of career civil servants with the appropriate security clearances. Attorney General Platkin and the coalition assert the Treasury Department’s new policy, which expands access to BFS’s payment system, violates the law, jeopardizes Americans’ most sensitive personal information, and would allow Elon Musk and other unauthorized political appointees to access a system that could permit them to freeze federal funds with the click of a button in violation of the Constitution.
With this lawsuit, Attorney General Platkin and the coalition of attorneys general are seeking an injunction preventing the Trump administration from continuing its new policy of expanded access to BFS’s payment system, as well as a declaration that the Treasury Department’s policy change is unlawful and unconstitutional.
Joining Attorney General Platkin in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
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Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has recently joined a multistate coalition in taking legal action against tech mogul Elon Musk and the cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) for their harmful actions against Americans. The coalition, consisting of several states’ attorneys general, is alleging that Musk and DOGE have engaged in deceptive practices that have harmed consumers and investors.
The legal action comes after a series of controversial tweets and statements made by Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, regarding DOGE. Musk has been known to frequently promote the cryptocurrency on his social media platforms, causing its value to fluctuate wildly. This has led to concerns about market manipulation and potential harm to investors who may be influenced by Musk’s actions.
In addition to Musk’s promotion of DOGE, the coalition is also targeting the cryptocurrency itself for its role in these harmful actions. DOGE, which started as a joke but has gained popularity in recent years, has been criticized for its lack of regulation and potential for fraud. The coalition is seeking to hold both Musk and DOGE accountable for their actions and ensure that consumers and investors are protected from any further harm.
Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of holding individuals and entities accountable for their actions, especially when they have the potential to harm consumers and investors. He stated, “It is crucial that we take action against those who engage in deceptive practices that can have serious consequences for Americans. We will not stand idly by while individuals and entities manipulate markets and put consumers at risk.”
The legal action taken by Attorney General Platkin and the multistate coalition sends a strong message to Musk, DOGE, and others who may engage in similar harmful practices. It serves as a reminder that individuals and entities will be held accountable for their actions, especially when they have the potential to harm consumers and investors. As the case unfolds, it will be important to monitor the outcome and see how it may impact the regulation of cryptocurrencies and the actions of influential figures like Elon Musk.