Illinois joins lawsuit against DOGE, Elon Musk over access to US Treasury government payment systems

CHICAGO — Illinois will join over a dozen states in a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over the so-called Department of Government Efficiency’s access to the Treasury Department.

Thirteen attorneys general, including Illinois’ Kwame Raoul and New York’s Letitia James, said in a statement that they were taking action “in defense of our Constitution, our right to privacy, and the essential funding that individuals and communities nationwide are counting on.”

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The treasury is just one of the departments the temporary organization has been given access to under the supervision of Elon Musk.

“As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no,’ but in our country, no one is above the law,” the statement said. “The President does not have the power to give away our private information to anyone he chooses, and he cannot cut federal payments approved by Congress.”

READ MORE: DOJ agrees to limit DOGE’s access to Treasury Department records

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday afternoon.

Government officials and labor unions have been among those raising concerns about DOGE’s involvement with the payment system for the federal government, saying it could lead to security risks or missed payments for programs such as Social Security and Medicare.

RELATED: Republicans block Musk from congressional subpoena as DOGE continues to access government data

Also Thursday, a federal judge ordered that two Musk allies have “read only” access to Treasury Department payment systems, but no one else will get access for now, including Musk himself. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by federal workers unions trying to stop DOGE from following through on what they call a massive privacy invasion.

It was not immediately clear when the Democratic attorneys general will file their lawsuit, but it is expected to be filed soon.

ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Chicago chef Felix Zepeda of Rosca collaborates with Pilsen panadería to sell bagels with Mexican twist; for sell at

Chef Felix Zepeda from Rosca in Chicago partners with a bakery in Pilsen to offer Mexican-inspired bagels for sale.

CHICAGO (WLS) — Like Chicago, Rosca is a melting pot of flavors…
Menendez brothers: Judge to decide whether DA Nathan Hochman should be recused from case

Judge to Determine if DA Nathan Hochman Should Step Down from Menendez Brothers Case

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Attorneys for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who were…
‘Nonnas’ True Story: Meet the Real Joe Scaravella From Enoteca Maria Who Inspired Vince Vaughn’s Netflix Movie

“Get to Know the Authentic Joe Scaravella from Enoteca Maria, the Inspiration Behind Vince Vaughn’s Film on Netflix: The Real Story of the ‘Nonnas'”

The new movie Nonnas on Netflix tells a touching story about grandmothers…
Pope Francis-era deal with Chinese Communist Party again under scrutiny as Pope Leo takes the reins

Pope Francis’ agreement with Chinese Communist Party faces renewed scrutiny as Pope Leo assumes leadership

<!–> Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Mass as pontiff Pope Leo XIV,…
‘Doctor Odyssey’ Episode 17: A Tidal Wave And A Tsunami Of Guest Stars Including Jim O’Heir and Christopher Gorham

Exciting new guests Jim O’Heir and Christopher Gorham in Episode 17 of ‘Doctor Odyssey’: A Story of Waves

If this really is the end for Doctor Odyssey, Ryan Murphy is…
Chicago faith leaders react to Pope Leo XIV's impact on other religions, including Father Michael Pfleger

Chicago religious leaders respond to the influence of Pope Leo XIV on various faiths, featuring Father Michael Pfleger

CHICAGO (WLS) — When a new pope is elected, it is not…
Columbia suspends anti-Israel agitators after takeover, spreading of pamphlets glorifying alleged terrorist

Columbia University suspends individuals promoting anti-Israel views and distributing glorifying materials about an accused terrorist following a recent incident.

Columbia University has taken action against 65 students who were involved in…
'Windy City Weekend' celebrates Mother's Day 2025 early with flower, Nothing Bundt Cakes giveaways

Early Mother’s Day Celebration in 2025 with Flowers and Nothing Bundt Cakes Giveaways at ‘Windy City Weekend’

CHICAGO (WLS) — During Mother’s Day weekend, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini…
Chicago police shooting in Hammond, Indiana leaves suspect dead after car crash near Dearborn Avenue and Gostlin Street: CPD

CPD reports a suspect killed in a car crash following a police shooting in Hammond, Indiana near Dearborn Avenue and Gostlin Street.

HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) — Chicago police shot and killed an aggravated battery…
Virginia homeowner charged with murder after shooting high school teen during attempted break-in, sheriff says

Virginia homeowner faces murder charge for shooting high school teenager in burglary attempt, according to sheriff

A man from Virginia has been accused of murder for shooting a…
 'Rivals' season two: See behind-the-scenes clip as cast gathers for first table read

Exploring ‘Rivals’ Season Two: Get a Sneak Peek of the Cast as They Gather for the First Table Read

LOS ANGELES — The Cotswolds are calling and “Rivals” is answering. Filming…
NFL rival Josh Allen's savage swipe at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship

Josh Allen, a rival in the NFL, criticizes Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship.

Travis Kelce once said that he used to dream of being like…