President Donald Trump’s administration is facing a series of lawsuits targeting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by entrepreneur Elon Musk. These legal actions allege violations of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), a law that requires transparency and ideological balance in advisory committees.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed seeking court orders to halt DOGE’s recommendations until compliance with FACA is achieved. This wave of litigation is reminiscent of similar challenges faced by commissions during Trump’s first administration, with one committee studying voter fraud being forced to shut down due to FACA-related lawsuits.
One of the legal challenges against DOGE was initiated by the National Security Counselors, a public interest law firm representing federal employees. This lawsuit was joined by two individual lawyers who claim their applications to serve on DOGE were ignored.
Another lawsuit, filed by Public Citizen, the American Federation of Government Employees, and the State Democracy Defenders Fund, alleges similar FACA violations. The coalition behind a third lawsuit includes a teachers’ union, veterans’ organizations, and public interest groups focused on auto safety and public health.
The lawsuits highlight the growing scrutiny and legal hurdles facing DOGE and the Trump administration. The outcome of these legal battles could have significant implications for the policies and operations of the Department of Government Efficiency.
