1 week ago
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Two federal judges will rule on Friday whether Elon Musk’s government cost-cutting team, known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), can access Treasury Department payment systems and sensitive data from US health, consumer protection, and labour agencies.
The DOGE initiative, spearheaded by Musk, has been at the center of controversy since President Donald Trump appointed the Tesla CEO to lead efforts in eliminating wasteful government spending. The initiative is a key part of Trump’s sweeping overhaul of federal operations since taking office last month.
In Manhattan, US District Judge Paul Engelmayer will decide whether to extend a temporary block he placed on Saturday, preventing Musk’s team from accessing Treasury systems that handle trillions of dollars in payments. Democratic state attorneys general, who filed the lawsuit, argue that DOGE lacks the legal authority to access these systems, which contain sensitive personal data on millions of Americans. They also warn that Musk’s involvement could jeopardise federal funding for critical programs, including health clinics, preschools, and climate initiatives, while potentially allowing Trump to use government data for political purposes.
Meanwhile, in Washington, US District Judge John Bates will hear a separate case from labor unions seeking to prevent DOGE from accessing records at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Labor Department, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Bates had previously ruled in favor of the Trump administration last week, but unions have since amended their lawsuit and renewed their request.
The legal battle intensified on Thursday when a group of Democratic attorneys general sued Musk, Trump, and DOGE, arguing that Musk’s appointment was unconstitutional. The lawsuit seeks to bar Musk from accessing government data, making personnel decisions, or canceling contracts.
Trump’s administration has faced numerous legal challenges, with many of its initiatives being blocked by the courts. However, despite setbacks, the White House has moved forward with mass layoffs of government workers and significant cuts to foreign aid programs, particularly those opposed by conservative politicians.
Most of Trump’s initiatives that have been legally challenged have been blocked by the courts, which has prompted Musk and other Trump allies to call for judges to be impeached, although the president said he would obey court orders.
The upcoming rulings could have significant implications for Musk’s role in the federal government and the future of Trump’s cost-cutting agenda.
Melissa Enoch
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