Appeals Court Blocks Disclosure of DOGE Records by Musk

A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked an order from U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan requiring Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to submit records regarding their efforts to reduce federal bureaucracy. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Chutkan must first address the Trump administration's motion to dismiss the case before allowing any discovery. The lawsuit, brought by a coalition of 14 Democratic state attorneys general, argues that Musk is exercising unconstitutional power that should only be granted to officials confirmed by the Senate. Chutkan's order for expedited discovery was aimed at identifying DOGE personnel and their authority, amidst claims that Musk's role is improper. Following the appeals court's decision, Chutkan cancelled an upcoming status hearing. This ruling provides a temporary reprieve for Musk and DOGE amid ongoing legal scrutiny of their cost-cutting initiatives.