Trump makes Elon Musk’s D.O.G.E official with an executive order despite being sued over it

Moments after his iconic and highly-anticipated inauguration, ‘crypto president’ Donald Trump has signed many executive orders, and according to a report from Reuters, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E) was one of those orders.

Elon shared last year that the department’s goals include cutting three-quarters of federal jobs and eliminating entire agencies, going for at least $2 trillion annually. But Trump’s executive order has been met with immediate lawsuits and fierce criticism from watchdogs, unions, and public interest groups all together.

Progress pic.twitter.com/iNAgAtPPCV

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) January 21, 2025

Keep in mind that technically, D.O.G.E holds no official power to enforce its recommendations. “To restore competence and effectiveness to our federal government, my administration will establish the brand-new Department of Government Efficiency,” Trump declared during his speech after the swearing-in.

D.O.G.E faces legal firestorm

Among the first to file a lawsuit was National Security Counselors, a legal advocacy group. They claim the committee violates the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, which requires advisory groups to operate transparently.

The lawsuits also accuse D.O.G.E of having an unclear legal structure, with Public Citizen, another watchdog, demanding more details about how the group will actually function.

The lawsuits named many defendants, including Elon himself and the White House’s Office of Management and Budget. They argue that the initiative’s lack of proper oversight could lead to chaos within federal operations.

But history tells us that this isn’t the first time committees like D.O.G.E have been created. In 1982, President Ronald Reagan formed a similar group to streamline federal spending. Though that effort did end up producing a delayed report with recommendations that were largely ignored.

Elon Musk speaking ahead of President Donald Trump: “It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured. We're going to have safe cities — finally — secure borders, sensible spending. Basic stuff. And we're going to take DOGE to Mars!” pic.twitter.com/jO7NRSzcAP

— America (@america) January 20, 2025

Originally co-chaired by biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, D.O.G.E now has Elon as its sole leader. Hours after Trump signed the executive order, Vivek announced his departure on X, saying he wanted to pursue political ambitions in Ohio, specifically as the state’s governor.

“Vivek Ramaswamy played a critical role in helping us create D.O.G.E,” said Anna Kelly, Trump’s spokesperson. She added, “He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of D.O.G.E based on the structure we announced today.”

Vivek, for his part, said in a post on Jan. 20 that:

“It was my honor to help support the creation of DOGE. I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government. I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again!”

The Reuters report says that Elon’s initial focus for D.O.G.E will be on assessing which federal agencies are ripe for downsizing or elimination. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Department of Education are reportedly under review.

A new dawn. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/a3Vthjth69

— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) January 20, 2025

Tariff threats add to the drama

Meanwhile, Trump has also ramped up his trade policies after taking office, issuing warnings to Canada and Mexico about potential tariffs. Speaking to reporters on Monday, the 45th and 47th president of the United States said his administration was considering 25% levies on goods from both nations, citing border control failures and fentanyl trafficking as key reasons.

“We’re thinking in terms of 25% levies on Mexico and Canada because they’re allowing a vast number of people over the border,” Trump said. He added that the tariffs could take effect as early as February 1.

The tariffs are part of the president’s plan to overhaul trade systems and protect American jobs. Analysts predict these measures could severely affect Canada’s economy, which trades over $500 billion annually with the U.S.

Trump has also reiterated the idea of stricter tariffs on China, using TikTok as a leverage point. The president said he believes the tariffs could force TikTok’s parent company to sell its U.S. operations to an American firm.

Trump’s return to the White House has electrified crypto markets. Bitcoin made a brand new all-time high of nearly $110,000, though Trump’s meme coin TRUMP is plummeting along with his wife’s MELANIA.

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