Overview

• A federal judge determined that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led informally by Elon Musk, is likely subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
• The ruling follows a lawsuit by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), which sought access to DOGE's records.
• Judge Christopher Cooper cited DOGE's unprecedented authority and secrecy, including actions like mass layoffs, cutting federal contracts, and dismantling agencies, as reasons for FOIA applicability.
• Concerns were raised over DOGE staff using encrypted messaging apps and external servers, potentially compromising federal record-keeping obligations.
• The court ordered expedited processing of CREW's FOIA requests and required DOGE to preserve relevant records, with a compliance update due by March 20.