Unions and nonprofits had requested a temporary injunction against DOGE, claiming it is not a valid agency.
District Judge John Bates ruled late last week that DOGE likely qualifies as a federal agency, and refused to issue an injunction to stop access to records in the Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. A group of unions and nonprofits had requested a temporary restraining order against Elon Musk and the U.S. DOGE Service.
Judge Bates wrote, “On the record as it currently stands and with limited briefing on the issue, the case law defining agencies indicates that plaintiffs have not shown a substantial likelihood that [DOGE] is not an agency. If that is so, [DOGE] may detail its employees to other agencies consistent with the Economy Act.“
The judge also stated that DOGE has appeared to try to avoid the agency title “from a desire to escape the obligations that accompany agencyhood“ – such as being subject to the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the Administrative Procedures Act – “while reaping only its benefits.“
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For federal judges as they hear challenges to actions and policies being implemented by President Trump’s administration.
- For wisdom for the president and administration officials as they seek to improve national security and reduce government spending.
Sources: ABC News, PJ Media,
