Elon Musk’s department was sued immediately after Trump’s inauguration

In the 30-page document, the plaintiff alleges that DOGE violates federal transparency rules in place since 1972 that cover disclosure, contracting and other procedures.

National Security Advisors believe that DOGE falls within the definition of Federal Advisory Committee (FACA). FACA is required by law to provide “reasonably balanced” representation, keep meeting minutes, allow public participation, file charters with Congress and meet other requirements that DOGE ignores, the lawsuit claims.

“DOGE is not exempt from FACA. All DOGE meetings, including those held electronically, must be open to the public,” National Security Advisors Executive Director Kel McClanahan said in the lawsuit.

The law firm asked the court to prohibit Musk and all DOGE units from conducting consulting activities until they comply with FACA requirements. The document also states that the White House should not follow DOGE’s recommendations.

The fact that Musk would head the department created by Trump became known in November. The abbreviation DOGE refers to the cryptocurrency of the same name, which is backed by the billionaire. The department is expected to seek to reduce bureaucracy and government spending, relax regulation and restructure government departments.

In addition to Musk, DOGE is led by businessman and former US presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. However, on January 21, the Associated Press reported that Ramaswamy had resigned from the department to run for governor of Ohio in 2026.