A coalition of 14 states filed a lawsuit Thursday against Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, challenging the constitutionality of the authority granted to Musk through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The lawsuit, brought by Democratic attorneys general from states including Arizona, Michigan, and Rhode Island, argues that Trump unlawfully created DOGE and granted Musk sweeping powers without congressional approval.
The legal challenge, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., is the latest in a series of lawsuits against the Trump administration over DOGE, which has led efforts to downsize the federal workforce, dismantle agencies, and gain access to sensitive government data. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes condemned the appointment, stating, "The founders of this country would be outraged that, 250 years after our nation overthrew a king, the people of this country-many of whom have fought and died to protect our freedoms-are now subject to the whims of a single unelected billionaire."
The lawsuit alleges that Trump violated the Appointments Clause of the Constitution by creating DOGE without congressional authorization and by delegating "virtually unchecked authority" to Musk without Senate confirmation. "As a result, he has transformed a minor position that was formerly responsible for managing government websites into a designated agent of chaos without limitation and in violation of the separation of powers," the lawsuit reads.
Musk has used his position to push for an aggressive reduction in government spending, aiming to cut up to $2 trillion annually. Since DOGE's formation, the office has overseen thousands of federal job cuts and the elimination of various government programs. The lawsuit contends that these actions have spread "chaos and confusion" throughout the federal system, impacting both state governments and American citizens.
The Trump administration has defended DOGE's role, arguing that it is necessary to reduce inefficiencies in government. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the lawsuit as a "continuation of the weaponization of justice against President Trump" and expressed confidence that the administration would prevail in court.
The case follows other legal challenges against DOGE, including a lawsuit filed last week by New York Attorney General Letitia James and 18 other state attorneys general. That suit sought to block Musk and DOGE from accessing personal data housed within the Treasury Department. A federal judge granted a temporary injunction, citing concerns that states "will face irreparable harm in the absence of injunctive relief."
Additionally, 22 state attorneys general secured a court order last week halting an effort by the Trump administration to implement deep budget cuts at federal research agencies. The ruling temporarily blocks reductions to funding for equipment, maintenance, utilities, and support staff.
Trump has continued to defend Musk and DOGE, praising their efforts to shrink the federal government and reduce spending. "We have to make our government smaller, more efficient, more effective, and a lot less expensive, and we could find a trillion dollars," Trump told reporters Wednesday. "But we're being hindered by courts where they file in certain courts where it's very hard to win and a judge will stop us."
A judge will now review the lawsuit and determine whether to impose a temporary injunction on DOGE's authority while a full hearing is scheduled. Several federal judges have already issued temporary injunctions on specific DOGE-led budget cuts but have yet to hold comprehensive hearings on the broader legality of the department's operations.
