Musk is not DOGE employee, has no more authority than other WH staff, new filing says
The Trump administration clarified in a late-night Monday court filing that Elon Musk is not a DOGE employee, but rather serves as a White House advisor, akin to former Biden advisor Anita Dunn. This clarification came after D.C. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan heard arguments in a case brought by 14 state attorneys general against Musk and the administration, alleging illegal executive overreach.
During the hearing, Judge Chutkan questioned the harm inflicted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and inquired about any federal employee terminations that occurred at the end of the previous week. In response, Joshua Fisher, director of the Office of Administration, submitted a declaration stating that Musk is a non-career Special Government Employee in the White House Office, serving as a Senior Adviser to the President.
Fisher pointed out that Musk’s role is similar to that of Anita Dunn, a former top advisor to President Biden. He emphasized that Musk has no greater authority than other senior White House advisors and solely advises the President on decision-making. Fisher also clarified that DOGE is a separate entity from the White House and that Musk is not affiliated with the U.S. DOGE Service or U.S. DOGE Service Temporary Organization.
The lawsuit filed by the state attorneys general challenges DOGE’s actions within seven federal agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management and the Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Energy, Transportation, and Commerce. The AGs allege that granting executive power to Musk is unlawful and poses a threat to Americans’ privacy and welfare.
New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez condemned the delegation of power to Musk, stating that it undermines President Trump’s authority and jeopardizes crucial programs such as federal student aid, payments to American farmers, and protections for working families.
As the case unfolds, the Obama-appointed Judge overseeing the proceedings will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. The controversy surrounding Musk’s involvement in government decision-making raises concerns about the accountability of unelected individuals wielding significant influence over key policy matters.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s clarification regarding Elon Musk’s role as a White House advisor sheds light on the complexities of executive power and the boundaries of influence within the government. The ongoing legal battle between the state AGs and the administration underscores the importance of upholding constitutional principles and ensuring transparency in decision-making processes.
