Judge Set to Make Quick Decision on Blocking DOGE’s Data Assessment and Federal Employee Firings

In a recent hearing, a federal judge raised questions about Elon Musk’s role in the federal government’s efforts to cut jobs and streamline operations. U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan reviewed a request from 14 states to block Musk’s agency, DOGE, from accessing sensitive data and terminating employees across several federal agencies.

Judge Chutkan is expected to make a decision within a day. The 14 states, led by Democratic attorneys general, argue Musk has too much authority. They claim his actions could harm federal workers and raise concerns about the handling of sensitive information.

Musk was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead DOGE with the goal of reducing the federal workforce and eliminating certain programs. As part of this plan, Trump issued an executive order allowing agencies to fire probationary employees and plan for massive job cuts.

During the Zoom hearing, Judge Chutkan expressed skepticism about whether the states had proven there was an immediate threat that warranted court intervention. The attorneys general argued Musk’s decisions should be made by someone sanctioned through the Senate. They voiced worries about Musk’s access to federal data, indicating it raised privacy issues for citizens.

The Justice Department countered by asserting that DOGE acts in an advisory capacity and does not require Senate approval. They argued that the states had not demonstrated any actual harm from Musk’s efforts to cut waste within the government.

The judge questioned the Justice Department’s stance, implying that Musk’s authority might be overstated. She echoed concerns regarding a private citizen wielding influence over a federal agency’s decisions without clear oversight.

Judge Chutkan noted that the actions of DOGE seemed chaotic and unpredictable. She highlighted a lack of transparency, making it hard for states to anticipate what changes might arise next. She has requested the Justice Department provide information about past and future employee terminations, indicating her desire for clarity in this situation.