Judge Orders Elon Musk and DOGE to Disclose Records on Federal Downsizing Efforts
The court demands transparency on DOGE staff, cost-cutting plans, and Musk's role, following constitutional challenges by Democratic state attorneys general.
- U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to produce detailed records on their federal downsizing initiatives within three weeks.
- The order includes identifying DOGE employees, revealing cost-cutting plans, and clarifying Musk's authority within the department.
- The lawsuit, brought by 14 Democratic state attorneys general, alleges that Musk's actions violate constitutional requirements for Senate-confirmed officials to wield such powers.
- Musk's role as a 'special government employee' has raised questions about the legality of his authority, with critics citing a lack of congressional oversight and transparency in DOGE's operations.
- This ruling follows a separate decision earlier this week requiring DOGE to comply with public records requests due to its 'unusual secrecy' and significant influence on federal government restructuring.