White House claims Elon Musk does not run DOGE in new filing

WASHINGTON — As its influence within the federal government grows daily, one question routinely emerges about the Department of Government Efficiency: Who is in charge?

That answer continues to evade the lawyers tasked with defending President Donald Trump’s administration in court.

In an affidavit filed in federal court on Tuesday, a White House official clarified that Elon Musk is not the administrator of the newly formed entity — seemingly contradicting public statements by Trump. Since announcing DOGE in December 2024, he has routinely referred to Musk as its leader.

However, according to Office of Administration Director Joshua Fischer, Musk is a “non career special government employee” who serves as a senior adviser to the president. The filing compared Musk’s role to that of Anita Dunn, a longtime political advisor who served as a senior adviser to President Joe Biden.

The filing did not provide any information about who oversees DOGE, other than ruling out Musk.

The filing comes after Judge Tanya Chutkan – who held a hearing Monday in a case that challenges the breadth of Musk’s authority – raised concerns about the “unpredictable and scattershot” methods employed by DOGE.

“DOGE appears to be moving in no sort of predictable and orderly fashion,” Chutkan said. “This is essentially a private citizen directing an organization that’s not a federal agency to have access to the entire workings of the federal government, fire, hire, slash, contract, terminate programs, all without apparently any congressional oversight.”

Federal judges are similarly wresting with how to define DOGE within government. In an order issued late Friday, a federal judge in Washington, DC ruled that DOGE should be considered an “agency” though he noted how the Trump administration is “curiously” avoiding that label.

“This appears to come 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,” U.S. District Judge John Bates wrote.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

You May Also Like
Bondi Reveals FBI Delivered 'Truckload' of Jeffrey Epstein Files, Meanwhile Top Bureau Official Resigns

Bondi suspends lawyer for criticizing Trump administration during deportation hearing.

Senior Department of Justice attorney Enez Reuveni has been suspended by Attorney…
What Time Is ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ On? How To Watch Episode 5 On Max

When does ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ air? Guide to watching Episode 5 on Max

Praise Be! Another week, another fix of TV’s most heavenly family, The…
When Does ‘Landman’ Return With New Episodes? ‘Landman’ Season 2 Casting Update

When will new episodes of ‘Landman’ be back? A casting update for Season 2 of ‘Landman’.

This week brought exciting news for fans of Taylor Sheridan’s popular Paramount+…
Protesters rally against Trump, Musk in 'Hands Off!' gatherings nationwide

Nationwide ‘Hands Off!’ Protests Target Trump and Musk

Many protesters gathered in the U.S. on Saturday to express their disapproval…
2-time US Olympian and national champion Nancy Kerrigan holds figure skating workshop at Glenview Ice Center

Nancy Kerrigan, a two-time US Olympian and national champion, will lead a figure skating workshop at Glenview Ice Center

GLENVIEW, Ill. (WLS) — Rising Glenview figure skaters who attended Saturday’s special…
Top New York Times journalist makes outrageous claim about why Trump 'skipped' fallen soldiers ceremony

Top New York Times journalist alleges shocking reason for Trump’s absence at fallen soldiers ceremony

According to a prominent journalist at the New York Times, Donald Trump…
I went viral for telling a court aged 7 that my mom drowned my sister. I've kept my secret for 17 years... now I'm ending my silence

After 17 years, I’m breaking my silence on keeping the secret of my mother drowning my sister when I was just 7 years old, leading me to go viral.

His tiny voice was shaky at times yet the words he uttered…
Mass grave for fighters in Roman Empire-era battle is revealed in Vienna, Austria

Discoveries of a mass grave from a Roman Empire battle in Vienna, Austria

Vienna made a startling discovery last October during the renovation of a…
Busted: Arsonist Arrested in Las Vegas Tesla Fire-Bombing Attack, Will Also Face Federal Charges

A rock hits Tesla, injuring pregnant passenger. Time for action.

We’ve mentioned before that extremism can result in serious harm or even…
Trump Administration Sends Brutally Honest Response Saying Judge Can't Undo a Perfectly Good Deportation

Trump Administration Refuses to Let Judge Reverse a Just Deportation

The Justice Department requested an emergency stay of an order mandating the…
Val Kilmer's Top Gun co-star breaks silence on his death after Tom Cruise's emotional tribute

Val Kilmer’s co-star from Top Gun speaks out about his passing following a heartfelt tribute from Tom Cruise.

Another original Top Gun actor has joined the list of former co-stars…
Major stars like Ke Huy Quan, Jason Kelce and Jason Sudeikis spotted having fun at Disney Parks

Celebrities Ke Huy Quan, Jason Kelce, and Jason Sudeikis enjoy themselves at Disney Parks

Fun compilation of stars like Jason Kelce, Terry Crews, Anika Noni Rose…