Elon Musk’s DOGE Under Fire – Court Demands Secret Records Be Released!

A federal judge has ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to release long-hidden records, saying the secretive agency must comply with public transparency laws. The decision comes after watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) sued the agency, arguing that DOGE had operated in secrecy without accountability.

What Is DOGE and Why the Secrecy?

DOGE was created under the Trump administration to cut government waste and streamline operations. However, it has been accused of being one of the least transparent agencies in modern history. Unlike most federal offices, DOGE has never publicly shared its leadership structure, internal communications, or financial details.

According to reports, DOGE officials even used encrypted messaging apps like Signal, raising concerns that they intentionally avoided public record laws. This lack of transparency prompted CREW to file a lawsuit demanding access to key documents.

The Judge’s Ruling

U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper didn’t hold back in his ruling, stating that DOGE operates with “unusual secrecy” and exerts significant power beyond what an advisory body should have. Because of this, he determined that DOGE must follow Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws and release its internal records.

“The public has a right to know what’s happening inside an agency with this level of authority,” Judge Cooper wrote. He also stressed that any delay in releasing documents would harm the public’s ability to understand DOGE’s role in government.

What Happens Next?

Following the ruling, DOGE, along with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), must quickly release the requested documents. The decision challenges previous claims that DOGE, as part of the Executive Office of the President, was exempt from FOIA laws.

CREW praised the ruling, calling it a major victory for government transparency. “Despite efforts to keep DOGE’s actions hidden, this ruling proves that no agency is above the law,” said Donald Sherman, CREW’s executive director.

Meanwhile, White House officials have hinted that they may appeal the decision, arguing that the ruling misinterprets DOGE’s role in government.

Why This Matters

DOGE has been a controversial agency since its creation, with critics arguing that it has too much unchecked power. From mass firings of federal employees to dismantling programs without congressional oversight, the agency’s influence has sparked major debates.

Now, with this court ruling, the public may finally get a look inside the agency and learn more about its true role. Whether DOGE complies with the order or fights back in court remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the days of DOGE operating in the shadows may be coming to an end.