WASHINGTON — Democratic congressmen are employing the Freedom of Information Act to request details regarding the Department of Government Efficiency Service (DOGE). Led by Representatives Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Gerald Connolly of Virginia, the request aims to uncover potential violations of federal law by DOGE, which notably includes prominent figures such as advisor Elon Musk.
The congressmen's extensive inquiries seek detailed information on various aspects, including DOGE’s access to sensitive data, its utilization of artificial intelligence, and the qualifications of its staff. In their letter addressed to DOGE administrator Amy Gleason, Raskin and Connolly expressed their concerns surrounding the secretive nature of the agency's operations, asserting that “the government and Mr. Musk have hidden behind a veil of secrecy whilst systematically dismantling the federal government of the United States.” They emphasize the necessity for transparency, stating that the American people deserve answers.
The letter accompanying the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, which has been obtained by the Associated Press, specifies a timeline for responses, demanding a reply within 20 days. This legislative action marks a significant pushback against the current administration led by President Donald Trump, who is implementing rapid cuts to government functions, including staff reductions and the closing of several established agencies.
The chairmen of the Oversight Committee have previously put forth questions regarding potential conflicts of interest involving Musk, whose private meetings with Republican leaders have drawn scrutiny. The congressmen argue that with Musk having a direct hand in government restructuring, oversight is essential to ensure that operations fall within legal boundaries.
Despite their minority status in Congress, Raskin and Connolly are utilizing their powers to hold the executive branch accountable. They highlight concerns regarding unauthorized activities that may exceed the constraints of federal law. The extensive nature of their FOIA request addresses four major areas: access to sensitive individuals' data, decision-making regarding layoffs of federal employees, potential conflicts of interest surrounding DOGE's leadership, and internal communications.
Congressman Raskin and Connolly specifically asked for the names, positions, and qualifications of DOGE employees who have accessed personally identifiable information since Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025. Furthermore, they requested insight into the software programs employed by DOGE and their implications for handling sensitive data. This inquiry includes a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) used for processing personal information.
The congressmen's request also seeks comprehensive guidelines surrounding the layoffs occurring within federal agencies, including the dismissal of inspectors general and the closure of various governmental departments such as the United States Agency for International Development and the Department of Education. The scrutiny of these actions raises questions about the agency's authority to undertake such sweeping measures.
Raskin and Connolly’s request reflects a larger pattern of resistance against the ongoing restructuring of federal agencies under the Trump administration’s DOGE program. They assert that many actions taken within this framework may not adhere to federal regulations, eliciting a sense of urgency around the tracking of government transitions.
The request not only encompasses direct communication but also probes for internal messages relating to entities associated with Musk, such as SpaceX, Starlink, and Tesla. Their inquiry stresses the need for transparency concerning Musk's pervasive influence on government oversight.
While the Trump administration has yet to respond to the FOIA request, the letter indicates potential legal actions if satisfactory responses are not provided. The congressmen's commitment to transparency serves as a reminder of the ongoing tension in Congress regarding the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches.
As the situation develops, it remains uncertain whether additional measures will be taken to escalate congressional oversight of DOGE or how the Trump administration will react to these unfolding events. The intensity of scrutiny surrounding government efficiency and the potential misuse of authority highlights the demands of Congress to safeguard public interests.
