14 States File Lawsuit Over Elon Musk's Unchecked Authority at DOGE

Legal Challenge Against Trump's Unconstitutional Grant of Power to Musk

On February 13, 2025, a coalition of 14 states filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, accusing them of violating the U.S. Constitution through the powers granted to Musk and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The suit, filed by Democratic attorneys general from states such as Arizona, Michigan, and Rhode Island, addresses concerns over the vast and unchecked authority Musk holds, particularly through his influence within the Trump administration.

The lawsuit targets the scope of DOGE’s operations, which have been central to Trump's efforts to shrink the federal workforce, dismantle various government agencies, and access sensitive governmental data. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes expressed outrage, stating, “The founders of this nation would be appalled that, 250 years after overthrowing a monarch, Americans—many of whom have sacrificed their lives to protect freedom—are now subjected to the whims of an unelected billionaire.”

The attorneys general argue that President Trump violated the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution by creating DOGE, an unofficial government entity, without the necessary congressional approval. They further contend that Musk’s powers were granted without following the required Senate confirmation process, essentially allowing him to operate with vast autonomy, unchecked by democratic safeguards. The lawsuit claims that this has turned what was once a minor government position managing federal websites into an “agent of chaos” that operates outside the established separation of powers.

The states involved in the suit seek a court order that would block Musk from making decisions related to federal funding, terminating contracts, or implementing personnel changes, arguing that such actions are unconstitutional without proper oversight or approval. This lawsuit adds to the growing number of legal challenges targeting the Trump administration's dealings with DOGE.

In a related legal battle, a group of federal employees filed a separate lawsuit earlier this week, requesting that Musk and DOGE be barred from accessing sensitive government data or removing federal employees until Musk's position is properly ratified according to the U.S. Constitution. Last week, a separate legal action by New York Attorney General Letitia James and 18 other state attorneys general sought to block DOGE from obtaining personal data housed within the U.S. Treasury Department, arguing that such access violates constitutional protections. A federal judge temporarily granted their request, citing the potential for “irreparable harm” in the absence of legal intervention.

Despite mounting legal challenges, Trump has continued to defend Musk’s role at DOGE, praising the efforts to reduce the size and scope of the federal government. Trump has repeatedly expressed frustration with the courts, claiming that their rulings hinder efforts to make government operations more efficient and cost-effective. “We need to make our government smaller, more effective, and less expensive,” Trump told reporters. “We could save a trillion dollars, but the courts are blocking us by filing in jurisdictions where it's difficult to win, and judges stop us.”

As these legal disputes unfold, the future of DOGE and its influence within the federal government remains uncertain, with ongoing debates about the balance of power between the executive branch, Congress, and private individuals like Musk. The outcome of these cases will likely have significant implications for how government agencies are managed and the degree to which private sector figures can influence public policy.