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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.

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White House Senior Advisor to the President and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk departs the U.S. Capitol Building on March 5, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Elon Musk looks on during the day of a meeting with House Republicans to discuss the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 5, 2025. REUTERS/Kent Nishimura/File Photo/File Photo

Overview

  • 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.