US Judge Orders Elon Musk’s DOGE to Release Internal Records

A US federal judge has ordered Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to release its internal documents, citing “unusual secrecy” surrounding the agency’s efforts to downsize the government.

US District Judge, Christopher Cooper on Monday, emphasized that DOGE’s actions, which include cutting thousands of government jobs and overhauling agencies, “appear to be unprecedented” and require transparency.

“The rapid pace of DOGE’s actions requires the quick release of information about its structure and activities,” Cooper stated. “This is especially so given the secrecy with which DOGE has operated.”

Cooper argued that DOGE is likely covered by the Freedom of Information Act, adding that “the public would be irreparably harmed by an indefinite delay in unearthing the records.”

The judge’s order requires the Trump administration to file a status report on the production of documents by March 20 and to confer with the plaintiffs on a joint report, including a timeline, by March 27.

This development comes amid growing criticism over DOGE’s actions, with President Trump recently responding that the cuts should be “carefully targeted.”

In a separate case, a federal judge blocked DOGE from accessing sensitive Treasury records, citing privacy concerns.