Overview

• President Trump and Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), are pushing controversial measures to slash federal employees and restructure agencies, including USAID and Treasury operations.
• Protests erupted in Washington, D.C., as federal employees and citizens voiced opposition to Musk's growing influence and the administration's buyout offer, which a judge has temporarily blocked.
• Former Treasury secretaries warned that granting DOGE access to Treasury's payment systems risks undermining U.S. credibility and could amount to a 'form of default.'
• Multiple lawsuits challenge the administration's actions, including the dismantling of USAID, access to sensitive Treasury data, and the legality of mass federal buyouts and executive orders.
• The administration's harsh criticism of court rulings has raised concerns about potential defiance of judicial authority, with legal experts warning of risks to democratic norms and the rule of law.