Judge finds DOGE works in ‘unusual secrecy’ and must comply with records requests

A judge found that President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency is “likely” subject to public records laws and ordered DOGE to respond quickly to a watchdog group’s information requests.

Judge Christopher Cooper said in an order Monday night that DOGE’s “unprecedented” authority meant it easily fit the definition of an agency under the Freedom of Information Act. The judge based his finding in part on DOGE spearheading mass resignations and firings, cutting hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of government contracts, and dismantling an entire agency.