A federal judge will hear arguments Monday about Elon Musk’s contested authority to reshape government operations amid an avalanche of lawsuits targeting Trump-era executive actions. Fourteen states allege Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) violates constitutional checks by operating without Senate-approved leadership.
The emergency motion seeks to halt DOGE initiatives, claiming Musk exercises expansive authority inconsistent with the Appointments Clause. Recent court rulings have already:
- Blocked DOGE from Treasury payment systems
- Reversed public health data removal
- Paused foreign aid freezes
Over 73 lawsuits challenge Trump’s executive orders this month alone, with courts issuing temporary restraining orders in multiple high-profile cases. Trump criticized these rulings on social media, stating:
He who saves his Country does not violate any Law.
The Solicitor General condemned the trend, warning courts are irreparably harming the Presidency by restricting early administrative actions. Eight additional cases face hearings this week, signaling sustained pressure on Trump’s policy agenda.
Legal experts note this litigation pace surpasses previous administrations, reflecting heightened scrutiny of executive power expansion. While DOGE secured minor procedural wins, analysts warn extended court battles could delay key initiatives like IRS data access and federal workforce reductions.