Overview

• The Trump administration has filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court to block a lower court order requiring DOGE to produce documents and allow depositions under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
• U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer contends that DOGE functions as a presidential advisory body within the White House and is therefore exempt from FOIA requirements.
• A March ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper found that DOGE likely qualifies as a federal agency subject to FOIA, citing its significant authority over federal operations, including terminating contracts and programs.
• The appeal follows a May 14 decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to allow limited discovery, including the deposition of DOGE Acting Administrator Amy Gleason, with a compliance deadline set for June.
• The Supreme Court's decision on the emergency appeal will determine whether DOGE must comply with transparency requirements, a case with broader implications for executive branch confidentiality and oversight.