Judge Orders Transparency for Secretive Government Downsizing Initiative

A federal judge mandates transparency for the Department of Government Efficiency, a team led by Elon Musk under President Trump. The ruling supports the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics group's call for FOIA compliance, challenging the secrecy surrounding the department's workforce restructuring and agency dismantlement projects.

A federal judge ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk under President Trump, to disclose its operation records. The decision favors Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics, alleging that DOGE's activities should be subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

This unprecedented ruling challenges the Trump administration's assertion that DOGE is an exempt branch of the Executive Office. Judge Christopher Cooper highlighted DOGE's substantial authority in reshaping federal programs, which he believes makes it subject to FOIA requirements.

DOGE's operations have been criticized for their secrecy, including reports of unorthodox communication tools like Signal and unidentified employees. The White House and the watchdog group CREW have yet to comment on the judgment.

(With inputs from agencies.)