White House confirms Elon Musk lacks authority at DOGE
- The White House filed a court document stating that Elon Musk is not an employee or administrator of DOGE.
- Judge Tanya Chutkan raised concerns about the organization's unpredictable methods and lack of oversight.
- This situation highlights ongoing legal challenges and questions regarding leadership and authority within DOGE.
In the United States, on February 17, 2025, the White House disclosed in a court filing that Elon Musk is not an employee of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and does not possess decision-making authority. This clarification came amid ongoing legal challenges regarding Musk's role in cutting government spending and job reductions. During a court hearing, Judge Tanya Chutkan expressed concerns about DOGE's unpredictable operations, which appear to lack oversight and are being directed by a private citizen. The confusion surrounding who oversees DOGE has extended to members of the Trump administration as well, as their lawyers have struggled to provide answers on the department's leadership structure. The filing specified that Musk holds the position of a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, emphasizing that he merely advises the President and communicates directives without any formal power to make governmental decisions. The legal battles have raised questions about the authority of the department and Musk's involvement in it, as critics argue he is attempting an undemocratic takeover of federal functions. This situation has led to public discourse regarding the limits of advisory roles within the executive branch and accountability in government decision-making.