US judge declines to block Musk from accessing data, firing workers

A U.S. federal judge on Tuesday rejected an attempt to temporarily halt Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from dismissing federal employees or accessing government agency data—a decision that marks a significant win for President Donald Trump’s efforts to downsize the federal workforce.

Fourteen Democratic-led states had filed a lawsuit last week, questioning Musk’s legal authority over such actions. However, District Judge Tanya Chutkan denied their emergency request, ruling that they failed to demonstrate the potential for immediate and irreparable harm.

"Plaintiffs have not met their burden of proof in showing that the absence of a temporary restraining order would cause them imminent, irreparable harm," Chutkan wrote in her decision.

DOGE, the Musk-led entity, functions as a sweeping government reform initiative aimed at dramatically reducing federal spending. With Musk—Trump’s wealthiest supporter and the world’s richest man—at the helm, the agency has aggressively cut budgets, forced the closure of federal offices, and sent thousands of employees home, igniting legal battles nationwide.

In their complaint, the 14 states argued that Musk and DOGE were acting beyond their legal scope, emphasizing that Musk had never undergone Senate confirmation for his role.

"(Musk) wields nearly unchecked influence over the Executive Branch, making unilateral decisions on government expenditures, contracts, regulations, and even the fate of entire agencies," the lawsuit stated.

Furthermore, they alleged that DOGE has obtained access to critical government databases, including sensitive personnel and financial systems across multiple federal departments.

The states sought an immediate order to bar DOGE from accessing data systems belonging to agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management, as well as the Departments of Labor, Commerce, Education, Energy, Transportation, and Health and Human Services. They also requested a freeze on the termination of employees from these agencies.

‘Uncertainty and Confusion’
In her ruling, Chutkan acknowledged concerns regarding DOGE’s unpredictable actions but concluded that speculative harm was insufficient grounds for immediate intervention.

"The court recognizes that DOGE’s actions have led to significant uncertainty and disruption for Plaintiffs and the agencies they oversee," Chutkan wrote. "However, mere ‘possibility’ of harm does not meet the legal standard for an emergency injunction."

Musk’s aggressive cost-cutting measures have faced multiple legal challenges with mixed outcomes.

Last week, another federal judge lifted a temporary hold on a controversial federal buyout program that had been introduced under Trump’s administration as part of broader government downsizing efforts.

That buyout initiative—spearheaded by Musk—offered federal employees a choice: accept a voluntary severance package equal to eight months’ salary or risk future layoffs. The White House later revealed that over 75,000 employees had accepted the offer from the Office of Personnel Management.

Labor unions representing government workers had sought to block the plan, arguing that it coerced employees into leaving under duress.

Trump’s executive actions have been met with fierce resistance in the courts, with multiple lawsuits seeking to challenge his policies. The White House has accused "activist judges in liberal districts" of attempting to obstruct the administration’s agenda.

Legal rulings on these cases have come from judges appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents—including some who were nominated by Trump himself during his first term.

Chutkan, who was appointed by former Democratic President Barack Obama, previously oversaw the now-dismissed federal case accusing Trump of attempting to overturn the 2020 election.

This article was reported by journalist Angelia.