Democrats challenge Elon Musk's authority in the White House

A group of Democratic attorneys general from 14 US states has filed a lawsuit against the White House, claiming that the powers granted to Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) violate the Constitution. 

They argue that the creation of this body bypassed Congress and gave the billionaire unlimited influence over government processes.

"The power of one billionaire": protest against DOGE

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a sharp criticism of the initiative:

«Основатели нашей страны были бы возмущены тем, что спустя 250 лет после того, как мы свергли короля, американцы оказались подчинены капризам одного миллиардера, которого никто не избирал» ("The founders of our country would be outraged that, 250 years after we overthrew a king, Americans are subject to the whims of one billionaire who was never elected").

The prosecutors believe that Donald Trump violated the Constitution by creating DOGE without Congressional approval, granting Musk broad powers without the necessary Senate review. The lawsuit states:

«Президент Трамп наделил Маска практически неконтролируемой властью, не заручившись законным разрешением Конгресса и не обеспечив надлежащего надзора» ("President Trump has vested Musk with virtually unchecked power, without obtaining lawful Congressional consent and without ensuring proper oversight").

What are the prosecutors demanding?

State prosecutors are demanding a court injunction that:

• Prohibits Musk from influencing the allocation of government funding.
• Strips him of the right to cancel contracts and make personnel decisions.
• Limits his ability to alter key government programmes.

White House response

The Trump administration reacted to the accusations. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the lawsuit is a «продолжение использования правосудия как оружия против президента Трампа» ("continuation of the use of the justice system as a weapon against President Trump").