A federal judge has ruled Elon Musk must defend himself in a lawsuit alleging he unlawfully seized power as the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Plaintiffs claim Musk required Senate confirmation before directing drastic actions like eliminating agencies and mass firings, actions exceeding the authority granted by Trump's executive orders. The government argued Musk held no formal office, avoiding Senate confirmation.

Judge Chutkan rejected this, calling it 'disquieting' and stating the President cannot evade the Constitution's Appointments Clause by unilaterally creating an office and filling it without confirmation. This ruling means Musk's influence over DOGE, including its major wins, faces potential reversal.