A federal judge has denied a request to block Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal data systems and participating in worker layoffs, despite concerns raised by 14 Democratic states.
At a Glance
- Judge Tanya Chutkan refused to immediately block Musk and DOGE’s access to government data
- 14 Democratic states filed a lawsuit challenging DOGE’s authority
- The judge acknowledged concerns about Musk’s “unchecked authority” but found no evidence of immediate harm
- DOGE continues to investigate government budgets for waste, fraud, and abuse
- Other judges have also declined to block DOGE’s access to agency systems
Judge Chutkan’s Ruling
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has denied a request from 14 Democratic states to immediately block Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal data systems and participating in worker layoffs. The ruling comes as part of a larger case questioning Musk’s expansive oversight capabilities within the government.
The states argue that Musk is exercising power that should only be held by elected officials or those confirmed by the Senate. However, Judge Chutkan found no evidence of immediate legal harm that would justify a temporary restraining order, despite acknowledging the states’ concerns about Musk’s role.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan found that there are legitimate questions about Elon Musk’s authority, but said there isn’t evidence of the kind of grave legal harm that would justify a temporary restraining order. https://t.co/1vqdVTtQC7
— PBS News (@NewsHour) February 19, 2025
DOGE, with President Trump’s approval, is investigating government budgets for waste, fraud, and abuse – and it is already finding so much that Musk is reportedly in talks about implementing a “payback” scheme for the American people.
The Trump administration also maintains that respective agency heads have formally sanctioned the layoff processes underway, and that Musk is not directly managing DOGE’s daily operations.
Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that, despite concerns from Democrats, the evidence presented did not meet the threshold for proving immediate harm, thus negating the need for a preliminary injunction at present. This decision allows DOGE to continue its operations, including accessing sensitive government data and participating in workforce management decisions.
The lawsuit sought to prevent DOGE from accessing data from several federal departments, including Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services. While Judge Chutkan’s ruling allows DOGE to continue its work, it’s part of a larger legal landscape surrounding the organization’s authority.
Other judges in Washington have also declined to block DOGE’s access to agency systems, although a federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked DOGE’s access to Treasury Department data. These varied rulings highlight the complex legal issues surrounding DOGE’s operations and authority.
It looks like DOGE won’t be stopping any time soon…
