In a recent exclusive interview with Fox News’ Bret Baier, former President Donald Trump expressed his strong disagreement with a federal judge’s ruling that restricts access to the Treasury Department for a team led by Elon Musk. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer, came after a lawsuit filed by 19 Democratic state attorneys general, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who argued that allowing Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) full access to Treasury systems posed a risk of "irreparable harm."
During the interview, which aired ahead of the Super Bowl, Trump stated, "I disagree with it 100%. I think it’s crazy." He emphasized the importance of addressing inefficiencies and fraud within the government, citing issues within agencies like USAID. Trump’s comments came in response to Baier’s inquiry about whether the ruling would impede his administration’s goals regarding government efficiency.
The judge’s temporary restraining order, issued on Saturday, prevents DOGE from accessing Treasury payment systems and data until at least February 14, when a hearing is scheduled to revisit the matter. Engelmayer’s order specifically prohibits access to Treasury systems by political appointees and employees detailed from other agencies, naming Trump, Secretary Scott Bessent, and the U.S. Treasury as defendants in the case.
Criticism of the ruling has emerged from Musk and other conservative figures, including Vice President JD Vance, who argued that the order infringes upon the executive branch’s authority. Vance likened the situation to a judge attempting to dictate military operations or prosecutorial discretion, asserting that judges should not interfere with legitimate executive power.
In the interview, Trump highlighted the potential for significant waste and fraud within federal agencies, predicting that Musk’s efforts could uncover "hundreds of billions" in misallocated funds. He expressed frustration with the current state of government spending, suggesting that much of it goes to wasteful projects.
As the interview concluded, Trump also addressed comments made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding the possibility of Canada becoming the 51st state. Trump reiterated his belief that integrating Canada could resolve financial imbalances between the two countries.
The full interview with Trump is set to air on Monday during "Special Report with Bret Baier," offering further insights into his views on government efficiency and international relations.