Stacy
Washington, D.C. – 19 Feb 2025
14 U.S. states have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, accusing the administration of unlawfully granting Musk excessive authority over federal operations. The lawsuit, brought forward by Democratic attorneys general from states including Washington State, Nevada, Oregon, Minnesota, Michigan, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maryland, Hawaii, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, argues that Musk’s appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is unconstitutional and poses a threat to American democracy. Most of these states are either on the West Coast or in the North and Southeast.
The Allegations
The lawsuit alleges that Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been given unchecked control over the newly created DOGE, a government body tasked with streamlining bureaucracy and cutting government waste. The plaintiffs contend that Musk’s role was never confirmed by the Senate, making his influence over federal agencies illegitimate and unconstitutional.
“This is a violation of the separation of powers,” the lawsuit states. “The President cannot delegate virtually unchecked authority to a private citizen without congressional approval.”
Critics of the Trump administration argue that DOGE has already begun dismantling key regulatory structures, terminating employees in various agencies, and consolidating executive power without oversight. The lawsuit claims that this consolidation is dangerous, as it allows an unelected individual to dictate government policy.
Federal Court Ruling and White House Response
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled against the plaintiffs’ request for an emergency order to halt DOGE’s operations. The judge, an Obama-era appointee, stated that there was insufficient evidence of “imminent, irreparable harm” to justify a temporary restraining order. However, she also expressed skepticism about Musk’s role and the administration’s claim that he holds no real power.
“Plaintiffs legitimately call into question what appears to be the unchecked authority of an unelected individual and an entity that was not created by Congress and over which it has no oversight,” Judge Chutkan wrote in her decision.
In response, the White House sought to downplay Musk’s involvement. A government filing stated that Musk serves only as a “Senior Advisor to the President” and has no direct control over DOGE. The filing further emphasized that Musk is not an employee of the DOGE Service and has no legal authority to make government decisions independently.
However, this legal stance contradicts Musk’s public statements. Just last week, Musk stood beside President Trump in the Oval Office, referring to “our actions” in directing federal agencies to terminate contracts and restructure operations.
“Elon is, to me, a patriot,” Trump said in a press conference. “You can call him an employee, a consultant, whatever you want. But he’s a patriot.”
Public and Political Reactions
Supporters of Musk and Trump argue that DOGE is essential in eliminating government inefficiency and exposing corruption. Musk has repeatedly criticized bureaucratic waste, questioning how federal employees earning $100,000 a year amass millions in wealth. He has also championed DOGE’s efforts to cut back on foreign aid spending, a move that has led to diplomatic tensions, including backlash from Indian officials.
Reports suggest that DOGE has been terminating long-standing government contracts, shutting down oversight committees, and redirecting federal funds with little transparency. Some worry that Musk’s control over DOGE mirrors the unchecked power of tech billionaires in private industry, raising concerns about corporate influence over government functions.
The Road Ahead
Legal experts predict lawsuit will move forward in the coming months, potentially escalating to the Supreme Court. If the courts rule against Trump and Musk, DOGE’s authority could be reduced, and Musk’s role in government operations may be legally challenged.
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Kathy
Olivia
