Elon Musk Faces Legal Battle Over Alleged Misuse of Government Data

Federal Judge Upholds Lawsuit Against Musk and DOGE

Washington: A federal judge has decided not to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) improperly accessed government data systems, canceled federal contracts, and terminated government employees.

On Tuesday, US District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that 14 states can continue their legal action against Musk and DOGE. The states, represented by their attorneys general, filed the lawsuit in February, claiming constitutional violations.

The states had requested that Judge Chutkan temporarily prevent DOGE from accessing any government data systems or dismissing federal employees. However, she denied this request on February 18, stating that while there were valid concerns regarding Musk's authority, there was insufficient reason to issue a temporary restraining order.

On Tuesday, Chutkan agreed to remove former President Donald Trump from the lawsuit but maintained the claims against Musk and DOGE.

The attorneys representing the plaintiffs argued that Musk's actions, including those executed by DOGE staff under his direction, are unconstitutional due to his lack of legal appointment.

Chutkan noted, “The Constitution does not allow the Executive to seize the entire appointments power by unilaterally establishing a federal agency through Executive Order and shielding its principal officer from constitutional oversight as merely an advisor. This is what the Plaintiffs allege the Executive has done.”

The Trump administration has asserted that layoffs are being conducted by agency heads and has claimed that Musk is not involved in the daily operations of DOGE.

Chutkan, nominated by President Barack Obama, previously oversaw the now-dismissed criminal case regarding election interference against Trump in Washington.