Summary
A lawsuit filed within minutes of Donald Trump’s swearing-in challenges the legality of Elon Musk’s “department of government efficiency” (Doge), alleging it violates federal transparency rules.
The suit claims Doge functions as a federal advisory committee but lacks balanced representation, public meeting access, and record-keeping.
Doge, which reportedly operates from SpaceX offices and uses encrypted communication, aims to streamline government by cutting programs and jobs.
Critics argue the project is shrouded in secrecy, while supporters label it a branding exercise for Trump’s government reform efforts.
One, the filing can be found here. Because this story basically links over to the WSJ’s copy of the PDF file. A PDF file that’s on their CDN which is paywalled.
Two, yeah I was absolutely expecting this to happen and it’s likely we are going to see a ton of this. The law requires a bit of transparency. I fully expect Trump to counter with “national security” and tell the courts to fuck off because Congress is spineless as fuck. And Trump calling everything an emergency or nation security to prevent any kind of judicial oversight was like his whole MO last go round.
Three, we’ve got to reform emergency powers in the United States. It’s got to be a one and done for 90-days. Post that, Congress has to step in. As the law is now, every 90-days the President can renew the emergency and basically the other two branches can suck his dick which is quite possibly the dumbest function we’ve got in our laws.
All that said, I fully expect Trump to tell all the courts to go to hell and the case to be dismissed for lack of everything because it’s “top secret” shit they’re doing in DOGE. Filing in the Courts ain’t going to do shit to stop the guy. Only Congress can check the guy at this point and they are all too busy sucking his dick. So for at least the next two years, Trump will get away with literally everything.
“national security” records are still public via FOIA, but can be redacted. Either way, if it’s government, there needs to be transparency and a paper trail.
Yea I think even if they make it classified or top secret or whatever folks in congress on committees can review and get updates etc and possibly justices I don’t know but yea even with security clearance that’s better than having it be some random thing in space x although nsa will have access to their communications