US court orders Musk's DOGE to disclose operational records
What's the story
A US federal judge has ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by billionaire Elon Musk, to make its operational records public. In his ruling, the US District Judge for Washington, Christopher Cooper said that DOGE had been operating with "unusual secrecy." The decision marks a victory for transparency advocates who seek insights into the agency's role in federal workforce changes and government downsizing.
FOIA ruling
DOGE is subject to Freedom of Information Act
Judge Cooper ruled in favor of watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW). He stated DOGE was likely covered under Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which provides public access to records created by government agencies that haven't been disclosed before. The Donald Trump administration argued DOGE, a part of Executive Office of the President, was not covered under FOIA. Cooper disagreed, saying DOGE exercised "substantial independent authority" much greater than other components usually exempt from FOIA's requirements.
Secrecy concerns
Judge highlights unusual secrecy in DOGE's workings
Cooper said DOGE's activities had been shrouded in "unusual secrecy," including its use of an external server, employees' refusal to identify themselves to career officials, and their usage of the encrypted app Signal for communication. The latest ruling could bring more transparency into DOGE's involvement in mass firings in the federal workforce and government spending cuts under the Trump administration.
Lawsuit details
CREW's lawsuit seeks information on DOGE's operations
Washington-based watchdog CREW filed a lawsuit on February 20 after seeking information under FOIA regarding DOGE's operations, including internal government emails and memos. It argued that the public and Congress need the information amid debates over government funding legislation. Judge Cooper ordered the records be produced on an expedited basis, saying voters and Congress deserve timely information given DOGE's "unprecedented" authority to reshape the government.