A federal judge has refused to block the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing federal employee data or making personnel changes, a decision that could have major consequences for government workers across multiple agencies.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled against a coalition of 14 Democratic-led states that sought to restrict DOGE’s authority, citing their failure to prove imminent harm—a key legal standard for securing a temporary restraining order.
The ruling allows DOGE, the Elon Musk-led agency created by executive order, to continue its operations, which include cutting government costs, streamlining federal agencies, and potentially laying off federal employees.
What Is DOGE, and Why Is It So Controversial?
Created earlier this year under President Donald Trump’s executive order, DOGE is tasked with identifying inefficiencies in the federal government and implementing cost-cutting measures. The agency has been granted unprecedented access to government data and personnel records—one of the primary concerns raised in legal challenges.
State attorneys general and labor unions have sounded the alarm, arguing that DOGE’s authority is too broad and could lead to mass layoffs and potential violations of federal employment laws. Their legal challenge claimed that DOGE’s structure violates the Appointments Clause of the Constitution because Musk, a private citizen, has been given sweeping executive powers without Senate confirmation.
What the Court Said—and What It Means for Government Employees
While Judge Chutkan acknowledged concerns over DOGE’s power, she ruled that fears of future harm were speculative and did not meet the high legal bar for an emergency injunction.
Her ruling means that:
• DOGE can continue accessing federal personnel data
• Government agencies must comply with DOGE’s oversight
• Federal employees could face job uncertainty if DOGE moves forward with restructuring
For government workers, this decision means increased uncertainty about their job security. While DOGE has not yet executed large-scale layoffs, the agency’s mandate includes identifying inefficiencies, which could mean job cuts, reorganizations, or even agency closures.
What Are the Next Steps? More Lawsuits and Potential Layoffs
Although this ruling is a setback for state attorneys general, other lawsuits against DOGE remain active in courts across New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. These cases continue to challenge whether DOGE has overstepped its constitutional authority.
At the same time, government employees should prepare for possible restructuring efforts. If DOGE targets specific agencies for cost-cutting, employees in those agencies could face layoffs, buyouts, or forced transfers.
If you’re a federal employee concerned about potential layoffs or workplace rights violations, now is the time to understand your legal protections.
What Federal Employees Should Do Now
1. Stay Informed: Monitor updates on DOGE’s actions and how they impact your agency. Join groups like Legal Leverage to stay updated on changes.
2. Review Your Rights: Federal employees have specific protections against wrongful termination—but understanding them is key.
3. Prepare for Possible Job Actions: If layoffs or restructuring seem likely in your agency, consider consulting an employment lawyer to discuss severance, benefits, and legal options.
At The Spiggle Law Firm, we help government employees protect their careers in uncertain times. If you’re worried about job cuts, discrimination, or workplace retaliation, contact us today to learn about your legal options.