14 States Sue Elon Musk's DOGE Over Constitutional Authority

A series of lawsuits from 14 U.S. states, led by New Mexico's Attorney General Raúl Torrez, is challenging Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alleging it represents an unconstitutional abuse of power. The states argue that Musk, acting without Senate confirmation, has been granted excessive authority to access federal data and dismantle programs within several government agencies. During a recent hearing, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan raised concerns about the lack of evidence for imminent harm and questioned the constitutionality of a private citizen directing government operations without oversight. Meanwhile, another ruling favored DOGE, affirming its access to records from various federal departments. The lawsuits emphasize the violation of the Constitution’s Appointments Clause, fearing that Musk's actions could significantly impact federal operations and protections for citizens. The situation underscores a significant legal and political battle over the boundaries of executive power and the role of private individuals in government functions.