Judge Rules DOGE Must Comply with FOIA Requests

Federal court finds Elon Musk-led agency wields substantial authority and operates with unusual secrecy, making it subject to transparency laws.

A federal judge determined that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led informally by Elon Musk, is likely subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
The ruling follows a lawsuit by the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), which sought access to DOGE's records.
Judge Christopher Cooper cited DOGE's unprecedented authority and secrecy, including actions like mass layoffs, cutting federal contracts, and dismantling agencies, as reasons for FOIA applicability.
Concerns were raised over DOGE staff using encrypted messaging apps and external servers, potentially compromising federal record-keeping obligations.
The court ordered expedited processing of CREW's FOIA requests and required DOGE to preserve relevant records, with a compliance update due by March 20.