Donald Trump sued minutes after becoming president over DOGE plan with Elon Musk

The AFGE said it wanted to ensure that DOGE complies with the requirements for federal advisory committees.

Updated on: Jan 21, 2025, 05:02:59 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The largest union of US federal government employees sued President Donald Trump on Monday over his plans to form a "Department of Government Efficiency" headed by billionaire Elon Musk. The Republican, who took the oath of office on Monday, has tasked his close associate Musk with cutting billions of dollars in federal government's spending.

US President Donald Trump is applauded after delivering his inaugural address after being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. (AFP)

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and non-profit Public Citizen filed the lawsuit minutes after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk's plan to save $2 trillion has given rise to the fears of job losses as most experts believe that is not realistic without deep cuts to crucial social services or benefits.

The AFGE said it wanted to ensure that DOGE complies with the requirements for federal advisory committees.

Follow live updates on Donald Trump event

"The advice and guidance that Mr Trump has charged DOGE with producing is sweeping and consequential. DOGE -- the members of which currently do not represent the interests of everyday Americans -- will be recommending cuts to government agencies and programs that protect health, benefits, consumer finance, and product safety," it added.

The AFGE said federal regulations authorize an administration “to establish and use commissions or task forces to obtain advice and recommendations from the private sector on a variety of topics.”

But the regulations impose "various guardrails to prevent them from turning into vehicles for advancing private interests in the federal decision-making process," it said.

Also read: Trump's first move as US President: End CBP One app that helped migrants get legal entry

"Those guardrails include the requirements that advisory committees have a fair balance in viewpoints represented, that they do not meet in secret, and that their records and work product be made available for public inspection."

The AFGE urged the court to prevent DOGE from acting as an advisory committee until it complies with federal regulations.

Also read: List of all US Presidents before Donald Trump

Elon Musk, the richest man on the planet, has emerged as the closest ally of Donald Trump after he backed the real estate mogul-turned-politician's campaign with millions of dollars in funding. He also drummed up support for Trump on his social media platform X.

With AFP inputs

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.