Judge Chutkan Denies States' Bid to Block Musk's DOGE Access to Federal Agencies

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan has denied a request from 14 Democratic state attorneys general to impose restrictions on Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), asserting that they failed to demonstrate imminent irreparable harm. The coalition of states, led by New Mexico, argued that Musk's leadership of DOGE was unconstitutional since he was not confirmed by the Senate, thereby questioning his authority over seven federal agencies. Chutkan acknowledged the plaintiffs' concerns regarding the unchecked power of an unelected official but stated the court could not issue a temporary restraining order without sufficient evidence of harm. In her ruling, she also noted potential discrepancies in the Justice Department's representations about DOGE's scope of power. This ruling comes amidst ongoing efforts by Musk's DOGE to restructure federal agencies to enhance efficiency and reduce spending. The case highlights ongoing tensions related to executive power and appointments within the Trump administration, with Chutkan previously involved in legal matters surrounding the January 6 incident.