The Trump admin is navigating countless legal battles. One case just got a big development.
Because a U.S. federal judge handed the Trump admin a surprise ruling that has massive consequences.
Trump’s DOGE Scores Major Win: Federal Judge Greenlights Treasury Access to Slash Waste
In a significant victory for President Donald Trump’s administration, a federal judge has ruled that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) can access sensitive Treasury Department systems, paving the way for the team to root out waste and fraud in federal spending. The decision, handed down on Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Jeannette Vargas, marks a critical step forward in Trump’s mission to streamline government operations and ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively to advance his agenda.
The ruling comes after a contentious legal battle that pitted DOGE against a coalition of Democratic attorneys general from blue states. For weeks, these officials sought to block DOGE’s access to Treasury systems, arguing that only career civil servants should handle sensitive financial data. However, Judge Vargas’ decision allows Ryan Wunderly, a member of the DOGE team, to access payment records and data systems, provided he completes required training and submits a financial disclosure. This measured approach balances security concerns with the urgent need to reform government inefficiency.
“The Court hereby modifies the PI Order to permit Defendants to grant Ryan Wunderly access to Treasury Department payment records, payment systems, and any other data systems maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees, PROVIDED THAT (i) Wunderly first completes any hands-on training in such systems that is typically required of other Treasury employees granted commensurate access; and (ii) that Wunderly first submits his OGE 278 Financial Disclosure Report,” Vargas wrote in her ruling. The decision overturns a nearly two-month-long block she imposed in response to the blue state lawsuit.
The legal challenge was led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who rallied 18 other Democratic attorneys general to oppose DOGE’s efforts. In February, James claimed that allowing DOGE access to Treasury systems posed a threat to Americans’ personal information and critical federal programs. “Giving the world’s richest man unauthorized access to our nation’s central payment system, and our most sensitive personal information, puts all Americans – and the essential funds they depend on – at risk,” James said at the time. “With this illegal power grab, Musk and DOGE are trying to wipe out vital programs and services – from health care to public safety to education – that our communities need.”
Critics of James’ lawsuit argue it was a politically motivated attempt to obstruct Trump’s agenda. DOGE, tasked with identifying and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse across federal agencies, has been a cornerstone of the administration’s push to make government more accountable to taxpayers. The Treasury systems, which house vast amounts of sensitive data, are a logical starting point for DOGE’s mission to ensure funds are directed toward priorities like border security, infrastructure, and economic growth—key pillars of Trump’s vision for America.
The Trump administration has maintained that DOGE’s access to Treasury systems is both limited and responsible. Initially, only two team members were granted access, and they received training to handle the systems appropriately. The administration’s defense of DOGE’s role has been bolstered by early results from the team’s reviews, which have already uncovered significant issues in federal spending. On Thursday, DOGE announced that an initial audit of unemployment claims identified $382 million in suspect payments—a finding that underscores the need for greater oversight.
Notably, DOGE’s review revealed that nearly 80% of those questionable payments—totaling $305 million—originated from three Democratic strongholds: California, New York, and Massachusetts. “California, New York, and Massachusetts accounted for most of these improper claims, totaling $305M in unemployment benefits,” DOGE reported. “Additionally, California accounted for 68% of the unemployment benefits paid to parolees identified by CBP on the terrorist watchlist or with criminal records.” These findings raise serious questions about the management of federal funds in these states and validate DOGE’s mission to dig deeper.
The ruling is a clear win for the Trump administration, which has faced relentless opposition from Democratic leaders seeking to preserve the status quo. By granting DOGE access to Treasury systems, Judge Vargas has affirmed the administration’s right to pursue its reform agenda without undue interference. The decision also sends a message to blue state officials that efforts to block efficiency measures will not go unchallenged. For taxpayers weary of government bloat, this development offers hope that their hard-earned dollars will be better protected.
As DOGE continues its work, the administration is likely to face further pushback from those invested in maintaining bloated bureaucracies. Yet, with each step forward, Trump’s vision of a leaner, more effective government comes closer to reality. The Treasury access ruling is just one piece of a larger puzzle, as DOGE’s reviews expand across federal agencies to identify savings and redirect resources to programs that deliver real results for Americans.
Looking ahead, the administration’s focus on accountability and efficiency could reshape how Washington operates. For now, Friday’s ruling stands as a testament to Trump’s determination to deliver on his promises, even in the face of fierce resistance. With DOGE leading the charge, the fight to cut waste and restore trust in government is gaining momentum—and taxpayers are the ones who stand to benefit.
DOGE Unleashes $150 Billion Slash on Government Waste
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by the visionary Elon Musk, is poised to revolutionize federal spending by targeting a staggering $150 billion in savings for FY 2026. Musk dropped this bombshell during a lively Cabinet meeting alongside President Donald Trump on Thursday, laying out a plan to tackle waste and fraud head-on.
“We anticipate savings in FY 26 from reduction of waste and fraud by $150 billion. And, I mean, and some of it is just absurd. Like people getting unemployment insurance who haven’t been born yet,” Musk quipped, showcasing his knack for sniffing out nonsense.
He didn’t stop there. “People ask me how are you going to find waste and fraud in a government? I’m like, well, actually, just go in any direction. That’s how you find it. It’s very common. It’s, as a military would say, a target-rich environment,” Musk added, painting a picture of a government bloated with easy pickings for reform.
Musk emphasized that DOGE’s mission isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about delivering better results for Americans. “So, I think we’re doing a lot of good, and in excellent collaboration with the Cabinet, to achieve these savings. And it will actually result in better services for the American people. And then we’re going to be spending their tax dollars in a way that is sensible and fair and good,” he said.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of DOGE’s Wednesday move to ax 108 questionable contracts, saving taxpayers $70 million from a pool valued at $250 million. Among the culprits? A $14,000 Department of Health and Human Services deal for an “executive transformational leadership training program” and a $5.2 million U.S. Office of Personnel Management contract for vague “strategic advisory” services. DOGE’s swift action proves it’s serious about cleaning house, setting the stage for a leaner, smarter government that puts taxpayers first.
The Federalist Wire will update you on any major DOGE updates and news.
