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Elon Musk's DOGE Faces Legal Challenges, Criticism Over Federal Oversight Role

The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Musk, is under scrutiny for accessing sensitive data and implementing sweeping cost-cutting measures across federal agencies.

Elon Musk delivers remarks as he join U.S. President Donald Trump during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025 in Washington, DC.
A sign for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is seen outside its building on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. Members of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) arrived at the Internal Revenue Service to begin examining the agency's operations.
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Overview

  • Fourteen states have filed lawsuits against DOGE, alleging unconstitutional delegation of executive power and widespread disruption to government operations.
  • Federal judges have temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing certain Treasury and IRS systems, citing risks to sensitive taxpayer data and potential misuse of information.
  • DOGE, created by President Trump's executive order, has already implemented significant workforce reductions and canceled $420 million in contracts, focusing on cutting wasteful spending.
  • Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and unions, accuse Musk of wielding unchecked authority and targeting critical federal programs like Medicare and Social Security for cuts.
  • State legislatures in several states, inspired by DOGE, are exploring similar initiatives to reduce government spending and increase efficiency at the state level.