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India
The White House has officially stated that billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk is not the administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a team currently conducting a sweeping review of federal agencies. Instead, Musk is serving as a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, according to the administration.
Musk’s exact role in DOGE has become a focal point in an ongoing legal battle over the team’s access to government data. The Trump administration is pushing forward with significant layoffs across federal agencies, and defining Musk’s position as an adviser rather than a key decision-maker could influence the outcome of lawsuits arguing that he wields too much authority for someone who has not been elected or confirmed by the Senate.
Legal Challenges and Musk’s Influence
On Monday, the White House submitted an official declaration amid growing legal challenges from multiple Democratic-led states seeking to prevent Musk and the DOGE team from accessing federal systems. The lawsuits claim that Musk is exercising “virtually unchecked power” in a manner that violates the Constitution.
However, the Trump administration has pushed back against these claims. According to Joshua Fisher, director of the White House Office of Administration, Musk “has no actual authority to make government decisions himself.” This assertion, filed in court documents, aims to downplay his influence and counter the legal arguments against his involvement.
Despite this clarification, the administrator of DOGE remains unnamed in official records. Musk, however, has been vocal about the team’s efforts on his social media platform X and even spoke about its mission during a public appearance at the White House.
DOGE’s Controversial Work in Federal Agencies
The Department of Government Efficiency has been conducting aggressive investigations into various federal agencies, reportedly tapping into computer systems, analyzing budgets, and searching for instances of waste, fraud, and abuse. While the Trump administration hails these efforts as necessary for reform, critics argue that they overstep legal boundaries.
As lawsuits mount, concerns over transparency and legality continue to grow. Two legal challenges specifically target Musk, questioning the legitimacy of his role and whether his actions align with constitutional principles.
Judge Questions Government’s Defense
During a hearing on Monday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan expressed skepticism about the Justice Department’s claim that Musk holds no formal authority. When government lawyers argued that Musk is merely an adviser without direct decision-making power, Chutkan responded critically.
“I think you stretch too far. I disagree with you there,” the judge remarked, signaling doubts about the administration’s defense.
The case remains a contentious legal battle that could shape the extent of executive power and private influence within government operations. As the situation unfolds, the role of Elon Musk and DOGE’s activities will likely continue to spark intense debate and legal scrutiny.
