Judge Declines to Block Elon Musk’s DOGE from Firing Federal Workers, Accessing Data

A U.S. district judge has declined to immediately block Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal agency data and directing mass layoffs, despite acknowledging concerns about Musk’s unprecedented authority within President Donald Trump’s administration.

Court Ruling Highlights Concerns Over Musk’s Authority

Judge Tanya Chutkan, ruling in a case brought by more than a dozen states, stated that while DOGE’s power raises serious legal questions, the plaintiffs did not provide sufficient justification for an emergency restraining order.

“The states 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,” Chutkan wrote.

Despite these concerns, she ruled that the request to block DOGE from accessing systems at federal agencies—including the Departments of Labor, Education, and Transportation—was too broad and speculative at this stage.

DOGE’s Expanding Role and Legal Challenges

Since its creation by executive order last month, DOGE has aggressively cut costs by eliminating jobs, canceling contracts, and reducing government programs. The agency, spearheaded by Musk, is central to Trump’s government overhaul initiative, aiming to streamline federal spending.

However, DOGE’s rapid actions have triggered numerous legal challenges. Critics argue that Musk is wielding powers typically reserved for Senate-confirmed government officials, violating the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause.

So far, more than 20 lawsuits have been filed against DOGE, with courts issuing mixed rulings:

• Judge Jeannette Vargas (New York) extended a temporary block preventing DOGE from accessing Treasury Department systems managing trillions in payments.
• Judge Randolph Moss (Washington, D.C.) ruled that the Department of Education could grant DOGE access to internal systems containing sensitive student financial aid data.

State Officials Vow to Continue Legal Fight

Despite the setback, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, one of the officials leading the lawsuit, vowed to keep challenging DOGE’s authority.

“We will continue to fight in court to protect the rights of all Arizonans from unconstitutional executive overreach,” Mayes said in a statement.

Other state attorneys general, including those from New Mexico and Michigan, have echoed similar concerns, arguing that DOGE’s actions put essential state-run programs at risk.

What’s Next?

While Chutkan’s ruling allows DOGE to continue its cost-cutting initiatives for now, further legal challenges could reshape its authority in the coming months. With several key court decisions pending, the battle over Musk’s role in federal governance is far from over.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com