A federal judge has allowed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to proceed. This decision came from U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who ruled on Tuesday that the case, brought by several Democratic state attorneys general, has enough merit to continue. The lawsuit claims that Musk and DOGE are overstepping their authority in federal government operations.
Chutkan’s ruling denied a motion to dismiss the case but did remove President Trump as a defendant, stating that the court cannot interfere with the President’s official duties. The lawsuit raises concerns about the powers Musk has been given, claiming he has similar authority to that of Cabinet officials. The plaintiffs argue that Musk’s role allows him to make significant decisions about federal spending, contracts, and even the existence of federal agencies.
In her 42-page order, Chutkan noted that the states provided sufficient evidence to support their claims. She highlighted that Musk’s influence extends to areas like federal expenditures and contracts, which raises questions about the legality of his actions. The lawsuit alleges that Trump violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause by granting Musk and DOGE extensive power without proper oversight.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez called the ruling a crucial step in maintaining checks and balances within the government. He expressed pride in advancing the case, aiming to curb what he described as Musk’s "reign of terror."
Musk and government lawyers have argued that he does not officially lead DOGE. However, public statements from Musk, Trump, and other officials often refer to him as the leader, raising contradictions about his actual role. In recent interviews, Musk has been vocal about his efforts to reduce wasteful spending in government, although he has faced criticism for overstating the savings achieved by DOGE.
Musk’s recent comments about a major spending bill passed by Congress reflect his growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s approach to budgeting. He expressed disappointment that the bill would increase the federal deficit, which he believes undermines the work of DOGE.
As this legal battle unfolds, it raises important questions about the balance of power in government and the roles of individuals like Musk in shaping federal policy. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for how government efficiency initiatives are managed in the future.