Boston, MA – A coalition of 14 state attorneys general, led by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of President Donald Trump’s creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the appointment of Elon Musk as its head. The lawsuit contends that establishing a new federal department without Congressional approval and granting Musk extensive powers without Senate confirmation violate the U.S. Constitution.
“The President cannot unilaterally create a new department to restructure the federal government, nor can he bestow unchecked power upon a billionaire friend without Congressional consent,” stated AG Campbell. “Our lawsuit aims to end the ongoing corruption and abuse of power within DOGE, which threatens funding for essential services such as healthcare and education.”
The complaint asserts that Musk has dismantled federal agencies, accessed sensitive data, and caused widespread disruption to state and local governments, as well as to the American public. It further argues that Musk’s actions breach the Appointments Clause of the Constitution, which mandates Senate confirmation for executive appointments and requires nominees to disclose financial information to prevent conflicts of interest.
The attorneys general seek a court ruling declaring Musk’s actions unconstitutional, an injunction preventing him from issuing orders to any Executive Branch personnel outside of DOGE, and the invalidation of his prior directives. The lawsuit emphasizes the unprecedented nature of an unelected, unconfirmed individual wielding such extensive power within the U.S. government.
Joining AG Campbell in this legal action are the attorneys general from New Mexico, Arizona, Michigan, California, Connecticut, Hawai’i, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Vermont. The coalition underscores the necessity of upholding constitutional checks and balances to prevent the overreach of executive authority.
This lawsuit represents a significant challenge to the current administration’s efforts to restructure the federal government and concentrate power within DOGE under Musk’s leadership. The outcome could have profound implications for the separation of powers and the future of federal agency governance in the United States.
