Trump’s Remarks Provide New Evidence in Case Against Government Efficiency Dept.

TL/DR –

Lawyers working on a case against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have found new evidence in comments made by President Donald Trump during a recent joint address to Congress. In his address, Trump stated that Elon Musk was heading DOGE. The lawyers argue this quote from Trump shows that additional discovery is needed to understand the nature of DOGE and its relationship to the United States DOGE Service, which is officially led by acting administrator Amy Gleason.

Trump’s Remarks Add Fuel to DOGE Legal Battle

Lawyers battling the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) found fresh evidence in a statement from President Donald Trump during his Congressional address. Trump confirmed Elon Musk, who was present in the gallery, is heading DOGE, a department he created.

“I have initiated a new Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE. Elon Musk is leading it,” Trump remarked. This statement was quickly leveraged by Kelly B. McClanahan, a lawyer arguing the legality and operations of DOGE, as “new evidence”.

The focus of the legal challenge pivots on who holds power at DOGE, with Musk being at the forefront. As previously highlighted by NBC News, legal analysts speculate the ambiguity around Musk’s role could be a tactic to shield him and DOGE from legal action.

McClanahan stressed the necessity of expedited discovery to understand DOGE’s structure and its relationship to the U.S. DOGE Service, where Amy Gleason is the acting administrator. The White House announced Gleason’s role following persistent queries about the department’s leadership.

Musk, however, still seems to be the lead figure at DOGE, despite the White House insisting he is just a special government employee, not the administrator. Joshua Fisher, a Trump appointee, backed this position stating, Musk “has no greater authority than other senior White House advisers.”

A Justice Department lawyer was unavailable for comment.

About the Author

Megan Lebowitz is a political reporter for NBC News. Follow her on Twitter or contact her via email. David Ingram contributed to this report.

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