Elon Musk-Led Department of Government Efficiency Faces Lawsuit Minutes After Trump’s Inauguration
The newly-formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, is set to face legal action just minutes after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office. The agency, which aims to streamline government spending and regulations, has been accused of violating federal transparency laws, according to a report by the Washington Post. The lawsuit is being prepared by National Security Counselors, a public interest law firm, which alleges that DOGE has failed to comply with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The law mandates that advisory committees to executive branches adhere to specific disclosure and hiring practices, ensuring transparency and public access to meetings. Allegations Against Department of Government Efficiency The lawsuit, led by Kel McClanahan, executive director of National Security Counselors, claims that the operations of the Department of Government Efficiency lack the openness required under FACA. A 30-page legal complaint seen by the Washington Post asserts: “DOGE is not exempted from FACA’s requirements […] All meetings of DOGE, including those conducted through an electronic medium, must be open to the public.” The complaint also highlights that similar government agencies ensure balanced approaches by recording meeting minutes and allowing public attendance. Also read: TRUMP Meme Coin Hype Sparks Record-Breaking Search Volume for Crypto, Solana, and Related Terms A Controversial Appointment President Trump appointed Elon Musk to head the Department of Government Efficiency in November, hailing the billionaire as a visionary capable of cutting through bureaucratic inefficiencies. Musk’s political involvement has sparked significant attention, especially among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. DOGE’s acronym shares its name with the popular meme coin Dogecoin, leading to a surge in the token’s popularity. Dogecoin traders have credited Musk’s endorsement of the agency as a catalyst for its performance, with the token’s market capitalization even surpassing that of Porsche, valued at $56 billion, in late 2023. The Role of Vivek Ramaswamy Joining Musk in leading the Department of Government Efficiency is Vivek Ramaswamy, a known cryptocurrency advocate who ran a pro-crypto presidential campaign in 2023 before withdrawing in early 2024. Together, Musk and Ramaswamy aim to slash regulations, eliminate wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies. According to the Nov. 12 announcement, DOGE’s mission is to deliver a “smaller government with more efficiency and less bureaucracy” by July 4, 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Also read: Brian Armstrong Endorses Creation of Bitcoin Strategic Reserves, Touts Crypto as the Next Chapter of Capitalism What’s Next for DOGE? Despite the lawsuit, leadership at the Department of Government Efficiency has expressed unwavering commitment to its objectives. The agency’s final plan, set to be unveiled in 2026, aims to revolutionize the federal government’s structure. However, the legal challenge could impede its progress, forcing the agency to address transparency concerns or risk losing credibility. Meme Coins and the Trump Era Musk’s appointment and DOGE’s controversial acronym have fueled a new wave of enthusiasm for meme coins, with analysts speculating that Trump’s presidency could usher in an “era of meme coins.” Cryptocurrency enthusiasts are closely watching developments, with some predicting that the legal challenges faced by DOGE could become a rallying point for decentralization advocates. Also read: Best Meme Coins to Watch As DOGE navigates its early challenges, its ability to balance innovation with compliance may determine its success in reshaping the federal government’s efficiency—or becoming another short-lived political experiment.