A U.S. federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by a coalition of 14 states against Elon Musk can proceed. The lawsuit targets Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial agency established under former President Donald Trump’s administration to slash federal spending and streamline operations.
The court dismissed claims against Trump personally but found that Musk’s alleged actions—ranging from cutting budgets to eliminating entire agencies like USAID—could have exceeded legal authority. Plaintiffs argue that Musk, lacking Senate confirmation, should not hold executive powers or direct federal operations. This case represents one of many lawsuits questioning DOGE’s legality.
DOGE, often criticized for its lack of transparency and use of encrypted communications, has come under fire from watchdog groups and lawmakers alike. Critics claim the agency operates in secrecy, with unclear staffing, undefined oversight, and sweeping authority to cut or dismantle government programs. A temporary Supreme Court block currently shields DOGE from releasing internal communications following a FOIA suit.
Musk, who spearheaded numerous initiatives to reduce perceived government waste, is alleged to have orchestrated agency closures without congressional oversight. One judge ruled the shutdown of USAID likely unconstitutional and ordered that some employee access and functions be reinstated.
The outcome of the ongoing lawsuit could reshape how advisory roles and executive authority are assigned, especially under politically polarizing figures like Musk. If the states’ claims succeed, DOGE and similar agencies may face stricter limits or dissolution.
