Elon Musk wants the judge who blocked his access to the Treasury Department payment systems to be impeached.
U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer ruled early Saturday that only civil servants with a job-related need could access Treasury’s payment systems, explicitly barring Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The decision, prompted by 19 Democratic state attorneys general, cited concerns over sensitive data security and potential misuse of federal funds.
Musk, angered by the ruling, lashed out on Twitter. At 1:40 a.m., he wrote, “It’s time” in response to a post about impeaching judges who ruled against Trump policies. Minutes later, at 2:11 a.m., he escalated, calling Engelmayer “a corrupt judge protecting corruption” and demanding, “He needs to be impeached NOW.”
A corrupt judge protecting corruption.
He needs to be impeached NOW! https://t.co/zgnwZuOz2Y
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2025
Engelmayer’s order requires anyone already blocked from the system to destroy any downloaded materials. He justified the injunction by emphasizing “irreparable harm” if access continued, citing security risks and potential data leaks. His ruling remains in place until at least Friday when another judge will review the case.
Musk, the world’s richest man, has become a crucial Trump ally. His efforts to gain access to federal systems have sparked legal battles since Trump’s inauguration. The administration previously agreed to restrict access to two Treasury personnel, but Saturday’s ruling imposed stricter limits.
Trump defended Musk’s actions during a press conference with Japan’s prime minister, signaling an emerging battle between the executive and judicial branches. Musk’s impeachment demand could escalate tensions as courts challenge Trump’s sweeping policy changes.
