A federal judge raised concerns on Monday regarding the extent of billionaire Elon Musk's authority and the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The judge presided over a hearing in response to a request from 14 states seeking a temporary restraining order to limit Musk's power in President Donald Trump's efforts to streamline the federal government.
During the hearing, the judge expressed skepticism about a request to prevent DOGE from accessing sensitive data and terminating employees at several federal agencies. The states' lawsuit challenges Musk's perceived unchecked power in making decisions typically reserved for nominated and Senate-confirmed officials under the Constitution.
