A federal judge in Washington has ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to release records related to its operations, which have reportedly been conducted under "unusual secrecy." According to a Reuters report, DOGE—created by former President Donald Trump and led by billionaire Elon Musk—has faced criticism for its lack of transparency. The ruling was in favor of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), a watchdog group that challenged the secrecy surrounding DOGE. The judge noted that DOGE likely qualifies as an agency subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates public access to federal records.

The Trump administration argued that DOGE was exempt from FOIA due to its connection with the Executive Office of the President. However, CREW contended that Congress and the public needed access to these records, especially as lawmakers worked on funding legislation to prevent a government shutdown. District Judge Christopher Cooper emphasized that DOGE exercises "substantial independent authority," surpassing the typical limits of other Executive Office components often exempt from FOIA requirements.

This decision marks a significant victory for transparency advocates, who have pushed for accountability from DOGE since Trump took office. Concerns over DOGE's secrecy have grown, particularly regarding its role in mass federal workforce firings. Reports suggest the agency has operated behind closed doors, using encrypted communication apps and external servers while keeping employees' identities hidden from career officials.

The lawsuit, filed by CREW on February 20, sought the release of DOGE’s internal communications and memos. While the judge did not set a specific deadline for releasing the records, he urged DOGE to act on an expedited basis due to the urgency of ongoing government funding debates. He stressed the importance of transparency, stating, “Congress and voters deserve timely information about this agency, especially given its unprecedented authority to reshape government programs.”

The ruling comes as another blow to DOGE, which has faced criticism for its handling of federal layoffs. On March 7, Trump reportedly told his cabinet that Musk does not have authority over their departments, effectively limiting his role in firing federal employees. Musk has since admitted that the department may have "made some missteps."

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