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US Judge Orders Elon Musk’s DOGE to Reveal Cost-Cutting Records
A US judge has ruled that Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) must hand over records and answer questions about their efforts to cut federal spending.
This decision comes as part of a lawsuit filed by 14 Democratic state attorneys general against Musk, DOGE, and President Donald Trump.
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan, appointed by former President Barack Obama, made the ruling on Wednesday night. The judge emphasized that her order focuses on uncovering who at DOGE is making cost-cutting decisions and the extent of their authority.
“Defendants argue that the ‘inner workings of government’ are immaterial to an Appointments Clause claim,” Judge Chutkan wrote. “The court is not convinced, but that is a legal issue appropriate for resolution after fulsome briefing.
“At this stage,” she added, “it is sufficient that plaintiffs’ discovery requests intend to reveal the scope of DOGE’s and Musk’s authority.”
The US Department of Justice, representing the defendants, did not immediately comment on the ruling. Judge Chutkan limited the discovery requests to specific areas, including agencies, employees, contracts, and federal funding. She rejected the states’ request for sworn testimony through depositions and clarified that her order does not apply to President Trump.
Musk and DOGE have until April 2 to comply with the judge’s order. The lawsuit aims to prevent DOGE from accessing certain government department information systems and from firing or putting federal employees on leave.
REUTERS
