U.S. Judge Declines Request To Block Elon Musk From Cutting Federal Jobs, Accessing Government Data
A U.S. District Judge has denied an emergency request to temporarily prevent Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from firing federal employees and accessing government agency data. The ruling marks a victory for President Donald Trump in his push to reduce the federal workforce.
Fourteen Democratic-led states had challenged Musk’s authority, arguing that he lacked statutory power for his actions. However, Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate imminent, irreparable harm that would justify a temporary restraining order.
Under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has aggressively cut government spending, leading to the closure of agencies and mass layoffs. The billionaire, Trump’s largest donor, has taken a key role in the administration’s efforts to slash hundreds of billions of dollars in expenditures.
The lawsuit argued that Musk was exercising “virtually unchecked power” over government contracts, regulations, and agency closures, despite not being formally nominated by the president or confirmed by the Senate.
The states sought to block DOGE from accessing sensitive government data from key departments, including Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Energy, Transportation, and Commerce, and from terminating their employees.
While acknowledging concerns over uncertainty and disruption, Judge Chutkan ruled that potential harm alone was insufficient to justify blocking Musk’s initiatives.
Musk’s sweeping cost-cutting measures have already triggered legal battles nationwide. Last week, another federal judge lifted a temporary freeze on a mass buyout program that encouraged federal workers to resign in exchange for eight months’ pay. According to the White House, over 75,000 employees accepted the offer.
Trump’s executive actions continue to face legal challenges, with critics accusing the administration of government overreach. The White House, in response, has blamed liberal judges for attempting to obstruct the president’s agenda.
Judge Chutkan, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, previously presided over the now-dismissed Trump election interference case from 2020.
