Musk Pushes for Annual Judge Firings After Treasury Blocks DOGE Access

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy by calling for the annual firing of judges following a Saturday ruling that restricted access to the Treasury Department’s payment systems. The decision, issued by a federal judge, stated that only “civil servants with a need for access to perform their job duties” should be allowed into the system.

In response, Musk proposed a system to remove judges he deems ineffective or corrupt.

“I’d like to propose that the worst 1% of appointed judges, as determined by elected bodies, be fired every year. This will weed out the most corrupt and least competent,” Musk wrote on his social media platform, X.

The ruling effectively blocks special government employees and outside appointees—including Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—from accessing the Treasury’s financial systems. Musk, appearing furious over the decision, lashed out in a series of posts on X.

“A corrupt judge protecting corruption,” he wrote early Saturday. “He needs to be impeached NOW.”

Musk’s DOGE program has drawn increasing scrutiny in Washington, particularly regarding its access to sensitive government systems. In recent weeks, DOGE personnel have gained entry into databases at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Treasury Department, raising concerns among lawmakers and government officials.

The controversy intensified following the sudden retirement of David Lebryk, a senior career official at the Treasury Department. A source previously told The Hill that Lebryk resigned after repeated conflicts with Musk’s allies over control of federal payment systems.

Lebryk’s departure came shortly after DOGE requested access to a Treasury-managed financial system used to disburse federal funds. The request, which Musk’s team claimed was necessary for government efficiency, was met with resistance from career officials concerned about potential security risks.

Earlier this week, Senate Democrats on the Intelligence Committee warned White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about Musk’s growing access to federal systems. In a letter, they expressed alarm over DOGE’s role in government operations, particularly its influence over sensitive financial and personnel data.

“Musk’s access to government databases, as well as the sensitive federal payments system, jeopardizes national security,” the letter stated.

The senators criticized the lack of transparency surrounding DOGE, highlighting that Congress and the public have not been informed about its internal structure or legal authority.

“No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information,” the letter continued.

Musk’s defenders argue that DOGE is fulfilling its mission to streamline government operations and eliminate waste. They claim that resistance from career officials stems from an unwillingness to embrace change and increased efficiency.

However, critics argue that Musk’s growing influence over federal agencies poses serious risks. By inserting DOGE personnel into key government offices, they say Musk is effectively circumventing traditional oversight mechanisms and consolidating power within an unelected entity.

The latest legal setback for Musk could intensify his ongoing battle with Washington. His call for the annual removal of judges further fuels concerns over his willingness to challenge institutional checks and balances.

While it remains unclear how much authority Musk and DOGE will continue to wield over government systems, the dispute is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

With lawmakers from both parties raising concerns, the Biden administration may face increasing pressure to limit DOGE’s influence and ensure stronger oversight of its activities.

As Musk continues to push for sweeping changes in government operations, his latest clash with the judiciary signals that the battle over DOGE’s role is far from over.