June 6 Summary--Musk has left...
- phoenixrise77
- Jun 6
- 1 min read
Musk Has Left the White House. What Does That Mean for DOGE? (Democracy Docket 6/2/25)
Summary by Mike Allen
Musk spent around $290 to help elect Trump but is now leaving DOGE after 130 days. While described as overseeing DOGE by Trump and others, the official White House line is that Musk was a temporary “Special Government Employee” (SGE). The faux agency dismantled U.S. foreign aid, causing global destabilization. Widespread layoffs and resignations are making several federal agencies slower. And its funding cuts may end up costing more than they save.
Twenty lawsuits raise legal questions about Musk’s role and actions. As more of these move into the discovery phase, the scope of Musk’s authority within DOGE and the full extent of his assault on the government may be revealed. Several lawsuits claim that the expansive executive power of his position was not constitutional without senate approval. Many lawsuits seek public access into DOGE through the Freedom of Information Act. Others challenge the actions of accessing sensitive private information held by federal agencies or attempting to cut the federal workforce.
Although Musk is leaving, at least on paper, it’s not clear whether he will continue to retain influence over DOGE. Many of Musk’s prominent deputies will remain in senior DOGE positions. It’s also unclear whether Musk will remain a defendant in lawsuits. The DOJ may ask for dismissal, on the grounds that Musk’s exit makes the charges invalid. In his absence, Russell Vought, one of the chief architects of Project 2025, appears to be taking over some of the DOGE effort.
Comments