Judge Denies States' Bid Against Musk's DOGE

A federal judge has rejected a request from 14 Democrat-led states seeking to prevent Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), established by President Trump, from accessing data at federal agencies. The states argue that Musk's authority violates the Constitution's Appointments Clause, as his role and the department itself were not approved by Congress. Concerns have been raised about potential risks to taxpayer data and the impact of DOGE’s cost-cutting measures on federal operations, including access to IRS systems and federal student aid information. Some Republican lawmakers also express unease about the pace and scope of federal spending cuts, fearing negative impacts on their constituents. Multiple lawsuits challenge the legality of DOGE and Musk's power, emphasizing potential threats to constitutional governance. Despite this, the White House defends DOGE's efforts to address waste and inefficiency within the government.