A federal judge is currently deliberating on a lawsuit filed by 14 states aiming to restrict the Trump administration and Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal data and implementing further federal employee terminations. Judge Tanya Chutkan heard arguments on Monday and promised a ruling within 24 hours, expressing skepticism towards the states' claims of imminent harm.
The core of the dispute revolves around DOGE's activities within seven federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management, the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Energy, Transportation, and Commerce. The states' attorneys general allege unlawful executive overreach by the Trump administration and Musk, but Judge Chutkan has yet to be persuaded.
The lawsuit contends that concentrating state power in the hands of a single unelected individual poses a significant threat to democracy. However, the judge questioned whether the states had demonstrated immediate harm that warranted restraining DOGE's actions. She acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations while emphasizing the need for concrete evidence.
A federal judge is currently considering a lawsuit against the Trump administration and Elon Musk's DOGE. (iStock/Sarah Yenesel via Getty Images)
Elon Musk at the White House during a meeting between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (AP/Alex Brandon)
President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk address media speculation about their relationship. (Fox News)
New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez spearheaded the lawsuit, with officials from 13 other states joining: Arizona, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, California, Nevada, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. They are seeking a temporary restraining order to halt further federal job cuts advised by Musk and DOGE.
While Judge Chutkan pressed the states for stronger evidence, she also challenged the DOJ's argument that Elon Musk lacked the authority to influence government decisions. The judge's impending decision holds significant implications for the ongoing legal battle surrounding DOGE's authority and actions.
