Judge Demands Transparency from Trump's Secretive Government Efficiency Team

A federal judge has ordered the Department of Government Efficiency to disclose records, marking a win for transparency advocates. The watchdog group, CREW, seeks clarity on DOGE's secretive operations under Trump. The ruling challenges the administration's claim that DOGE is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

A landmark ruling by a federal judge has compelled the Department of Government Efficiency, established under President Trump's directive, to open its records to public scrutiny. Spearheaded by Elon Musk, this initiative has faced criticism for operating in 'unusual secrecy,' prompting legal action by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

Judge Christopher Cooper, appointed by President Obama, has rejected the Trump administration's argument that DOGE is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. Cooper highlighted that DOGE possesses significant independent authority, capable of altering federal programs and even dismantling them entirely—actions necessitating greater transparency.

This judicial decision arrives as CREW seeks urgent disclosure of DOGE's communications to inform congressional debates over looming government funding proposals. Although Cooper stopped short of a Friday deadline, his expedited record release order underscores the agency's pivotal role in governmental restructuring.

(With inputs from agencies.)