Elon Musk's DOGE Gets Sued Immediately After Donald Trump Assumes US President's Office: Here's What We Know So Far

Joining AFGE in the DOGE lawsuit are several other watchdog organisations, which have expressed concerns over the committee's potential to prioritise private interests in federal decision-making.

The AFGE has called on the court to block DOGE's operations until it complies with federal advisory regulations.

Source : X/@BRICSinfo

Just minutes after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed a lawsuit against his administration, reported AFP. The union is challenging the creation of the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), a cost-cutting initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk.

The lawsuit, filed in a Washington district court, argues that the newly formed committee violates federal regulations governing advisory bodies. According to the AFGE, which represents nearly 800,000 federal employees, the committee lacks diversity in viewpoints, operates without transparency, and poses a threat to essential public services.

What Is DOGE's Function?

President Trump has tasked Musk with identifying ways to slash billions of dollars from federal spending, with claims that up to $2 trillion could be saved. However, experts have cast doubt on these savings, warning that such cuts could come at the expense of crucial social programs and benefits.

The AFGE's legal filing emphasises the need for DOGE to adhere to federal rules, which require advisory groups to maintain balance, operate openly, and make their findings publicly accessible. "DOGE -- the members of which currently do not represent the interests of everyday Americans -- will be recommending cuts to government agencies and programs that protect health, benefits, consumer finance, and product safety," the union stated in its complaint.

Joining the lawsuit are several other watchdog organisations, which have expressed concerns over the committee's potential to prioritise private interests in federal decision-making.

Ramaswamy's Exit

Notably, while Musk is spearheading the initiative, billionaire entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, initially appointed as co-leader of DOGE, has stepped down to pursue a gubernatorial bid in Ohio.

It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again! 🇺🇸 https://t.co/f1YFZm8X13

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 20, 2025

The AFGE has called on the court to block DOGE's operations until it complies with federal advisory regulations, marking the first major legal challenge to a high-profile initiative of the Trump administration.