“In these circumstances, it must be indisputable that this court acts within the bounds of its authority,” she continued.
“Accordingly, it cannot issue a TRO, especially one as wide-ranging as Plaintiff’s request, without clear evidence of imminent, irreparable harm to these Plaintiffs. The current record does not meet that standard.”
Despite her ruling, Chutkan suggested in a footnote that the Justice Department may have misrepresented the extent of DOGE’s power over personnel issues.
The New York Times reported that “The I.R.S. is preparing to give Gavin Kliger, a young software engineer working with [DOGE], access to sensitive taxpayer information as a senior adviser to the I.R.S.’s acting commissioner. The I.R.S. is still working out the terms of his assignment.”
Restrictions on DOGE’s Access to Treasury Department Materials
Judge Chutkan took action to prevent DOGE from accessing materials from the U.S. Treasury Department, emphasizing accountability in legal proceedings.
“Defense counsel is reminded of their duty to make truthful representations to the court,” Chutkan wrote.
