The courts may block efforts by Elon Musk and DOGE to access Treasury's payment system. A huge trove of private data is at the center of the fight.

Billionaire Elon Musk has said there is widespread fraud taking place in the payment of "federal entitlements" like Social Security. Social Security benefits are paid to more than 70 million Americans on a monthly basis, and help form the bedrock of income for many retirees, survivors of deceased claimants and disabled people.

Elon Musk is facing scrutiny over accusations he gained access to sensitive Treasury data, including Social Security and Medicare information.