Judges Demand Trump Administration Clarify DOGE Operations

A U.S. judge has temporarily reinstated Hampton Dellinger as head of the Office of Special Counsel, challenging former President Donald Trump's authority to dismiss him without cause. The case, which may escalate to the Supreme Court, is significant as it examines the limits of executive power. Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have pressed Trump's nominees on whether it is lawful for a president to ignore court orders, with nominees indicating that they would need specific cases to respond definitively. Additionally, the Trump administration faces increased scrutiny over actions by the Department of Government Efficiency, as judges are showing willingness to compel the government to disclose internal documents and clarify decision-making processes. This heightened legal scrutiny follows concerns about transparency and potential overreach by the administration. Experts warn that rapid actions taken by the administration may lead to a lack of judicial trust, prompting courts to look deeper into agency claims.