U.S. Judge Orders Musk’s DOGE to Release Records Amid Transparency Concerns

A U.S. judge has ordered Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to disclose internal documents, citing concerns over the agency’s secrecy in executing widespread federal government downsizing. The ruling, issued on Monday by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, comes amid growing legal and public scrutiny over DOGE’s operations.

Since President Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January, his administration has aggressively pursued cost-cutting measures, including reducing public spending and restructuring federal agencies. As part of this initiative, Musk, a major campaign donor and now senior adviser, was appointed to lead DOGE. The agency has since overseen significant job cuts and restructuring efforts, triggering multiple lawsuits from affected employees and advocacy groups.

Judge Cooper raised concerns over the agency’s sweeping authority and budget reductions, noting that such actions were being carried out without congressional approval. He emphasized that the rapid and discreet nature of DOGE’s operations necessitated greater transparency.

“The speed at which DOGE is making these drastic changes, combined with its secrecy, warrants immediate disclosure of its internal workings,” Judge Cooper wrote in his ruling. He added that DOGE is “likely subject” to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and warned that withholding these records indefinitely could cause irreparable harm to the public.

The legal battle over DOGE’s transparency has intensified as critics argue that the agency’s actions lack sufficient oversight. Last week, President Trump addressed concerns over the unprecedented scale of government cuts, stating that DOGE’s measures should be “carefully targeted” to avoid unnecessary disruption. However, opponents of the administration’s approach argue that the agency’s restructuring efforts have already had severe consequences, including mass layoffs and abrupt funding cuts to key government programs.

Under Judge Cooper’s order, the Trump administration must submit a status report on document production by March 20. The government must also collaborate with plaintiffs on a joint timeline for further disclosures by March 27. The ruling marks a significant step in efforts to increase accountability and provide public access to information about DOGE’s decision-making processes.

As the administration moves forward with its cost-cutting agenda, the legal and political battles surrounding DOGE’s operations are expected to continue. The case highlights broader concerns about government transparency, executive power, and the limits of administrative discretion in restructuring federal agencies.