The Lawsuit is One of Several Accusing President Donald Trump of Skirting the Constitution and Musk of Operating with Unchecked Power
A coalition of 14 states has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, arguing that Musk’s authority over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) violates the U.S. Constitution. The legal challenge, led by Democratic attorneys general from states like Arizona, Michigan, and Rhode Island, claims Trump unlawfully granted Musk sweeping powers without congressional approval.
The lawsuit highlights concerns over DOGE’s role in downsizing the federal workforce, dismantling agencies, and accessing sensitive government data. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes condemned Musk’s influence, stating that “the founders of this country would be outraged” at the level of power given to an unelected billionaire.
Constitutional Violations and Separation of Powers
The attorneys general argue that Trump violated the Appointments Clause, which requires Senate confirmation for significant federal roles. Instead, Musk has allegedly been given unchecked executive authority to reshape government operations.
“President Trump has delegated virtually unchecked authority to Mr. Musk without proper legal authorization from Congress and without meaningful supervision,” the lawsuit states.
The states are asking the courts to block Musk from making decisions on government funding, contracts, and personnel changes—key areas where DOGE has already taken aggressive action.
White House and Legal Battles Intensify
The White House dismissed the lawsuit as another politically motivated attack, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “The White House will continue to fight these battles in court, and we expect to be vindicated.”
This is just the latest in a string of legal challenges against DOGE.
- Government employees have also filed a lawsuit seeking to restrict Musk’s access to sensitive data and prevent mass firings.
- New York Attorney General Letitia James and 18 other states have sued to block DOGE from retrieving personal financial data from the Treasury Department, a move a federal judge temporarily halted.
- 22 states secured a court order stopping the Trump administration from slashing funding for federal research agencies, including cuts to equipment, maintenance, and support staff.
Trump Defends Musk and DOGE Despite Court Setbacks
Despite mounting legal roadblocks, Trump continues to back Musk and DOGE, praising their efforts to reduce the size and cost of the federal government. The president has criticized the courts for slowing down his plans, arguing that bureaucratic inefficiencies are costing taxpayers billions.
“We have to make our government smaller, more efficient, more effective, and a lot less expensive… But we’re being hindered by courts,” Trump told reporters Wednesday.
As lawsuits continue to pile up, the future of Musk’s role in government remains uncertain, with legal experts predicting a protracted battle over executive power.
