Thousands of federal workers face termination as a judge rules against blocking Musk’s sweeping cuts to government agencies. Despite concerns over DOGE’s unchecked power and access to sensitive data, the court found no immediate legal basis to halt the firings, intensifying the ongoing battle over Trump’s reform efforts.
BY PC Bureau
A federal judge rejected an emergency request on Tuesday to block billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from firing federal employees and accessing agency data.
The decision strengthens U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to slash government spending, which has already led to thousands of job losses, with more layoffs expected in the coming weeks.
Fourteen Democrat-led states sued last week, challenging Musk’s authority. However, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled on Tuesday that they had failed to demonstrate immediate or irreparable harm, stating their concerns did not justify halting Musk’s actions.
“Plaintiffs have not carried their burden of showing that they will suffer imminent, irreparable harm absent a temporary restraining order,” Chutkan said.
Appointed by former President Barack Obama, Chutkan previously presided over the now-dismissed criminal case against Trump for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election.
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Legal Battle Over DOGE’s Powers
DOGE, an independent agency led by Musk, is tasked with reducing government spending by eliminating jobs and shutting down agencies. While Trump insists department heads are responsible for the layoffs, critics argue that Musk has been granted excessive influence over federal operations.
The 14 states behind the lawsuit claim Musk was never officially nominated or confirmed for a government position, yet he is making critical decisions on contracts, expenditures, and staffing. They also warn that DOGE’s access to sensitive data from multiple departments—including education, labor, health and human services, energy, and transportation—raises serious concerns.
Despite these arguments, Chutkan dismissed the request for a temporary restraining order. She acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding DOGE’s actions but ruled that speculation alone was insufficient grounds for court intervention.
“The court is aware that DOGE’s unpredictable actions have resulted in considerable uncertainty and confusion for Plaintiffs and many of their agencies and residents. But the ‘possibility’ that Defendants may take actions that irreparably harm Plaintiffs ‘is not enough,’” she wrote.
The US Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the lawsuit against @elonmusk and DOGE. The decision was that his position was valid under the authority of Executive Order #718792. Big win for America’s economy!
🙏❤️✝️ pic.twitter.com/fRPFeVz6s5— Victoria 🇺🇸⏳🗽🚔 (@Loveof1776) February 13, 2025
Mass Layoffs and Buyout Controversy
Musk’s cost-cutting measures have already caused major disruptions, forcing thousands of federal employees out of work as agencies shut down. A separate lawsuit sought to block a mass buyout program that offers federal workers eight months’ salary if they voluntarily resign.
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In an email titled “Fork in the Road,” more than two million government employees were told they could either accept the buyout or risk termination in future layoffs. The White House reported that over 75,000 employees have already taken the offer, though unions representing federal workers continue to fight the initiative.
Last week, another federal judge lifted a temporary freeze on the buyout program, allowing it to proceed.
Trump’s sweeping government overhaul has faced multiple legal challenges, with the White House accusing “judges in liberal districts” of trying to obstruct its reforms. However, court rulings on these cases have come from judges appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents, including Trump himself.
