For John, BLUF: The Democrats are battling President Trump by employing law suits. Nothing to see here; just move along.
From the Associated Press, by Reporter Larry Neumeister, 11 February 2025 at 1:50 PM EST.
Here is the lede plus four:
A federal judge on Tuesday made some clarifications but left intact a ban for now that prevents Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Treasury Department records containing sensitive personal data for millions of Americans.This is a step in the proper direction by Judge Jeannette A. Vargas, allowing the Secretry of Treasury Scott Bessent to actually manage his department, a job for which he was confirmed by the US Senate. The idea that a Cabinet Secretary was not allowed ot manage the civil Servants within his or her department, or manage the systems therein makes a sham of the job of management and responsibility.Judge Jeannette A. Vargas in Manhattan issued an order to continue a ban prior to a hearing Friday. The ban was put in place last week by another federal New York jurist in response to a lawsuit that 19 Democratic attorneys general brought against President Donald Trump.
Justice Department attorneys told Vargas in a filing on Sunday that the ban was unconstitutional and needed to be immediately reversed.
They made additional arguments in a written submission on Tuesday, saying the ban limits Trump's “ability to give direction to his subordinates” to ensure that annual outlays of $5 trillion by Treasury's Bureau of the Fiscal Service are being handled with efficiency.
Vargas made changes to the ban to clarify its reach. For instance, she said Treasury Department officers nominated by Trump and confirmed by the Senate can access the records, making it clear that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not subject to the ban.
While Friday may bring further clarity and common sense, I fear it will require the involvement of the US Supreme Court.
Hat tip to the Citizen Free Press.
Regards — Cliff
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