Muskgate
Last night, the federal district court in New York (SDNY) issued a temporary restraining order in State of New York et al. v. Donald J Trump et al., a lawsuit filed by the AGs of 19 States against Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The suit (and a separate lawsuit filed by Public Citizen in D.D.C.) challenges one of the more outrageous actions taken by President Trump in his first three weeks: granting Elon Musk and members of the “Department of Government Efficiency” – private citizens, all – full access to the Treasury Department’s main payment system, the one through which virtually all of the $6 trillion or so disbursed by the federal government each year – to bondholders, social security recipients, NIH grantees, Medicare providers, university laboratories and hospitals, military contractors, armed services personnel, etc. – is channeled.
Is anyone not riled up about this? The President simply picks one of his cronies – one who just happened to have contributed tens of millions of dollars to his successful campaign for office – and says “Go at it”? Can he really do that? Lawfully?
As it turns out, no, he can’t do that – not lawfully.
I suppose there are those who think: “Well, he’s the head of the Executive Branch, and he runs the Treasury Department, and he can (apparently) fire pretty much anyone and everyone in it – so why can’t he tell them who does and who doesn’t have access to the payment databases?” And the answer, of course, is: Because his conduct as head of the Executive Branch is bound and
Article from Reason.com
The Reason Magazine website is a go-to destination for libertarians seeking cogent analysis, investigative reporting, and thought-provoking commentary. Championing the principles of individual freedom, limited government, and free markets, the site offers a diverse range of articles, videos, and podcasts that challenge conventional wisdom and advocate for libertarian solutions. Whether you’re interested in politics, culture, or technology, Reason provides a unique lens that prioritizes liberty and rational discourse. It’s an essential resource for those who value critical thinking and nuanced debate in the pursuit of a freer society.
