White House: Musk Not In Charge of DOGE

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

The court filing raises further questions about the operation that has wreaked havoc across the federal government.

Posted by qcp at 09:33 AM | 49 COMMENTS | permalink

So if Musk doesn't run DOGE, and DOGE isn't a real government agency, then no one has to listen to Musk or do what the DOGE bros tell them to do, right?[image or embed]
" Katie Phang (@katiephang.bsky.social) February 17, 2025 at 9:30 PM

Comments

More: "He holds that position as a non-career Special Government Employee," Fisher wrote. "In that job, Mr. Musk is a Senior Advisor to the President."

The Justice Department defines a special government employee as "anyone who works, or is expected to work, for the government for 130 days or less in a 365-day period."

Fisher said it's not unusual for special government employees to advise the president, citing the example of Anita Dunn, who served as a senior adviser to former President Joe Biden.

"In his role as a Senior Advisor to the President, Mr. Musk has no greater authority than other senior White House advisors," Fisher said. "Like other senior White House advisors, Mr. Musk has no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself. Mr. Musk can only advise the President and communicate the President's directives."

Fisher's declaration seems in conflict with Trump's previous statement that Musk leads DOGE. Trump has touted the cost-cutting operation, claiming it has identified "has found massive amounts of FRAUD, WASTE, INCOMPETENCE, AND ABUSE" within the government.

The filing came in response to a lawsuit by several Democratic state attorneys general, accusing Trump of illegally delegating executive powers to Musk in violation of the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

"Mr. Musk does not occupy an office of the United States and has not had his
nomination for an office confirmed by the Senate. His officer-level actions are thus unconstitutional," the lawsuit states.

Still, Trump has shown no signs of seeking to restrict Musk or DOGE.

#1 | Posted by qcp at 2025-02-18 09:17 AM

Has anyone told Leon?
Because you know Old Liberace is always afraid to do it himself.
Which eunuch got that assignment?
Oh, never happened?
Sooprise.
No, Leon is definitely running this sheetshow.
While Orange Liberace decomposes before our very eyes.

#2 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-02-18 09:21 AM

Sounds like they are trying to cover up his position to aid their coming SC arguments against Fed Judges.

Like he doesn't Really werk there.

#3 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-18 09:32 AM

"The filing came in response to a lawsuit by several Democratic state attorneys general, accusing Trump of illegally delegating executive powers to Musk in violation of the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution.'

Which was pointed out by Cobstitutional lawyers days ago. Now, how about reversing all the firings that megolomaniac, unelected, power hungry assh**e did. Reverse every decision he made! Retirn our government to exactly what it was befIt's ore that evil piece of filth started destroying it to save money fort ax cuts for himself! In the Trump administrayion it is all about one thing; greed! Geotge W. Bush should be grateful to Trump because he is definitely the worst President in history, replacing Dubya in that position.

#4 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-18 09:46 AM

Mushole is still violating federal law as an employee of the federal government.

#5 | Posted by Nixon at 2025-02-18 09:59 AM

"So if Musk doesn't run DOGE, and DOGE isn't a real government agency, then no one has to listen to Musk or do what the DOGE bros tell them to do, right?"

Correct.

All you need is --------. Just ask Elmo.

#6 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-02-18 09:59 AM

So why is he being let into any government system or function he'd like?

Or was this not true until now and this is the administration showing they're tired of Musk creating situations that require damage control and the wiping of several metric tons of egg off their faces?

#7 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-18 10:17 AM

Musk Misery

"He will be remembered as the man who saved cancer."

www.youtube.com

1 min

#8 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-18 10:19 AM

Former Democrats Trump, Musk, Gabbard and Kennedy are all in cahoots! They're all working to transfer the government to the Clinton Foundation! Hillary and Obama have been in charge all along! Trump is a Democrat plant! It's all a Socialist takeover!

#9 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2025-02-18 10:26 AM

69!!

#10 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-18 10:31 AM

"So why is he being let into any government system or function he'd like?"

Shock and awe?

The Fog of War?

Lack of Balls?

This SS administrator clearly has -------- and refused to cooperate.

I am not sure if the answer is to resign or try to fight from within. It's a personal decision for everyone now. My advice is keep your head down and your powder dry and choose your battles wisely. And if you decide to fight from within .. get a good lawyer. If you are fired without cause ... get a lawyer. But the plan is to put everyone under such a financial strain so they do not have the strength or will to fight back.

I was lucky. I was able to retire. This was good for me and bad for the government as I took my 40 years of legacy experience with me. But I saw what was coming and I wanted no part of it.

Not everyone is so fortunate to be able to retire with a pension. And is my pension really even secure anymore ? There is no financial security in America anymore unless you are independently wealthy. This will surely be reflected in the economy as the results of the chaos trickles down to us.

#11 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-02-18 10:35 AM

'This will surely be reflected in the economy as the results of the chaos trickles down to us."

You think the economic melt down in 2007-08 was bad? This is going to be far worse, Predictable as with every Republican administration though this one is ahead of schedule!

#12 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-18 11:01 AM

Breaking out the Gaslight are we?

He may not be in charge but I am sure those in charge are doing whatever he tells them to do.

#13 | Posted by GalaxiePete at 2025-02-18 12:02 PM

#4 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-18 09:46 AM | Reply

Like in the Trump/Biden debate:

Didn't understand a word she said and either did she.

But here is the bigger question, Bill Clinton axed 400,000 federal jobs, Dems loved it. Obama said we need to cut government spending, Dems loved it. Trump wants to do the same but Dems with TDS are having a meltdown. I'll let you guess what the difference it now. Has something to do with a temper tantrum.

#14 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-18 12:22 PM

Bill Clinton axed 400,000 federal jobs, Dems loved it.

Bill Clinton created 18 million jobs.

The------------- has the worst jobs record since Hoover.

finance.yahoo.com

#15 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-02-18 12:27 PM

#15 How about some pre-covid numbers?
And if Trump did such a bad job you must have had one really bad candidate to lose to him. Maybe you should address that.

#16 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-18 12:43 PM

www.yahoo.com

initiative continued to make recommendations for government reform. According to a 1999 article on an archived version of NPR's website, it reduced the federal workforce by 351,000 between 1993 and 1998. An archived FAQ page from 2000 said 377,000 jobs were cut between 1993 and 1999. In a 2013 appearance before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, former National Performance Review leader Elaine Karmarck said the agency cut 426,200 jobs by September 2000.

But the buyouts offered by Clinton's NPR and Trump and Musk's Department of Government Efficiency are not the same. Clinton's buyout plan had overwhelming bipartisan support from Congress, and the law was signed after a review period. Meanwhile, Trump and Musk offered the buyouts just one week into Trump's term, with no review process.

#17 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2025-02-18 12:44 PM

You have to really suck in order to be compared to Hoover.

www.theguardian.com

Dead ------- last, ------.

#18 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-02-18 12:45 PM

So if the neurodivergent ketamine junkie isn't running the coup, who is?

#19 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-02-18 12:46 PM

But here is the bigger question, Bill Clinton axed 400,000 federal jobs, Dems loved it.

No really sure how much "Dems loved it" but those layoffs were done the correct way with congressional approval and legally approved and appropriated buyouts or transfers.

Obama said we need to cut government spending, Dems loved it.

Again Obama made cuts thoughtfully appropriately and with congressional approval and respecting the rights of American Citizens.

"Trump wants to do the same but Dems with TDS are having a meltdown."

See that's where you go all in on the lie.

Trumpy is not doing "the same". And "TDS" is the appropriate response to Trumpy's bull in the China shop and abuse of power approach to reducing waste fraud and abuse in the U.S. government.

This is classic maga nonsense right here:

Kristi Noem warned the public that they can't trust the government - then she was reminded that she is part of a it.

"I remember a time when Republicans were very careful about and worried about the government, particularly unelected people, having access to personal data," noted Bash.

Noem responded: "Well, we can't trust our government anymore."

"But you are the government now," said a surprised Bash.

#20 | Posted by donnerboy at 2025-02-18 12:51 PM

#20 If you can't see that federal government spending needs a major overhaul than it's not worth responding to your posts. Both parties are responsible for creating it but Congress refuses to fix it. Trump was elected by the American people to fix it, he is fulfilling is campaign promise. If you don't like it get a better candidate next time. Thats how Democracy works.

#21 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-18 01:02 PM

Here's the way to answer the questions about Leon's status and who runs DOGE: have the parties appear in a Federal District Court, in front of a judge. Swear in Leon and his boy band, the Muskrats. If Leon invokes the Fifth Amendment, well we then know his status, based on his co-president's ruminations about taking the Fifth. If El Rey Dotardo II blocks Leon from testifying because Musk is a senior member of the administration and executive privilege comes innto play, we also have our answer. If Leon perjures himself, he will need one of those pardon thingys, and nearly every Federal judge will then have his/her bearings set straight...

#22 | Posted by catdog at 2025-02-18 01:03 PM

#22 What is the difference between Musk's roll and Fauci's role? Fauci was not elected either.

#23 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-18 01:16 PM

TDS - Trump D**k Suc**rs?

#24 | Posted by HeeHaw at 2025-02-18 01:21 PM

Trump was elected by the American people to fix it, he is fulfilling is campaign promise.

--Fauxpas

I don't think you would find too many Trump voters who would say their main desire for his presidency was to fix the problems caused by both parties.

#25 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2025-02-18 01:22 PM

What is the difference between Musk's roll and Fauci's role?

Mostly the grammar.

#26 | Posted by REDIAL at 2025-02-18 01:56 PM

LOL!

#27 | Posted by YAV at 2025-02-18 01:59 PM

#14 | Posted by fishpaw

This idiot lacks the brain power to understand things like scale and intent.

Expects the rest of us to be just as stupid.

Hey f*&^stick, when did either of those POTUSes propose gutting NOAA because they push climate change science? Which of them gutted the CDC, NIH, FAA...

STFU idiot. You're too stupid to be allowed to vote, let alone comment on things.

#28 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-18 02:11 PM

More lies from the fat idiot.

#29 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-02-18 02:38 PM

'This will surely be reflected in the economy as the results of the chaos trickles down to us."
You think the economic melt down in 2007-08 was bad? This is going to be far worse, Predictable as with every Republican administration though this one is ahead of schedule!
#12 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-18 11:01 AM

In 2008 the Federal Reserve bought 4.5 trillion in corporate debt so quickly that few people realized the stock market had crashed.

Now our bonds are being exchanged for a crypto scheme that will replace parts of the reserve.

All social security, income and personal information has been stolen by people allowed inside facilities without any background checks or observation.

While this occurs we have 'Wars With Panama & Denmark', 'Tariffs On Allies', 'Gulf of America' and anti-DEI to keep eyes, ears and scrutiny away from their true criminal function.

The resulting deprivation and chaos inciting multiple national crisis- global would be optimal, which leaves us all unprepared for their more organized threat, imo.

#30 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2025-02-18 02:54 PM

#14 | Posted by fishpaw

Clinton axed 366k jobs in the military alone. Just saying.

Clinton's downsizing was organized. We have been over Clinton's numbers in the government for decades but not hugely. It is interesting to see how agency numbers have fluctuated over time. It's also interesting to note that since Clinton's time the US population has grown abut roughly 18% but government employee head count has only grown 2%. Also it is amazing how much Congressman impact these staffing levels.

So when you look at the Clinton Era, Clinton had an actual plan. It was negotiated with the GOP and Democrats. The plan went so far as to pass Congress and get enacted into law. *gasp* It rolled out over several years so as to not impact government function. This vs hack and slash with no rhyme or reason. We are having to ask people to come back to work because they were fired without the idiot in charge understanding how important they were.

#31 | Posted by GalaxiePete at 2025-02-18 02:57 PM

This idiot lacks the brain power to understand things like scale and intent.

Expects the rest of us to be just as stupid.

Hey f*&^stick, when did either of those POTUSes propose gutting NOAA because they push climate change science? Which of them gutted the CDC, NIH, FAA...

STFU idiot. You're too stupid to be allowed to vote, let alone comment on things.

#28 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-18 02:11 PM | Reply | Flag:
(Choose)

You supported Kamala Harris. You have no credibility calling anyone else a ------.

#32 | Posted by fishpaw at 2025-02-18 03:27 PM

--------, you voted for a demented rapist who regularly grunts out Putin's DNA.

#33 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-02-18 03:32 PM

You supported Kamala Harris. You have no credibility calling anyone else a ------.

#32 | Posted by fishpaw

Actually, dips*&^, I got into frequent arguments with Harris supporters because I vocally called her a terrible candidate.

When she was selected for VP in 2020 I said it was a bad pick for multiple reasons, not the least of which was it would be "her turn," and she wasn't popular enough to win.

So try again, idiot.

#34 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-18 04:27 PM

Also, if Musk is just an advisor, then why is he always present and always speaking? For my entire life, it was always POTUS who listened to his advisors and then spoke to present cogent, integrated statements balancing the advice and information they had heard.

Never has there been a tagalong who constantly took center stage even when POTUS was in the room.

#35 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-18 04:45 PM

I forgot to add this link.

www.msn.com

#36 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-18 04:47 PM

Pray for Trump and America and get on your knees every night and be very thankful that a do nothing, know nothing Kamala Harris and associated Dem collaborators are not in power as worthless figureheads, there but only to take orders from unknown behind the scenes govt infiltrators to keep the political shenanigans and treasury tapping flowing.

#37 | Posted by Robson at 2025-02-18 05:01 PM

White House press secretary seeks to clarify Musk's role in DOGE
www.washingtonpost.com

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt sought to clarify Elon Musk's role within the U.S. DOGE Service after a court filing this morning said the tech billionaire is neither an employee nor administrator of the commission and has "no actual or formal authority to make government decisions."

"Elon Musk is a special government employee here at the White House serving at the direction of the president of the United States, Donald Trump," Leavitt reiterated during a Fox News segment Tuesday, adding that Musk "has been tasked with overseeing DOGE on behalf of the president."

"That's the way DOGE has been set up and that's the way it will continue to operate," Leavitt said.

The comments seem to contradict the filing, which came from the White House Office of Administration earlier this morning, as well as statements from Trump and Musk himself. No formal administrator has been named as the leader of DOGE, the filing stated, adding ambiguity about Musk and who is legally in charge of the DOGE effort.

#38 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-02-18 05:06 PM

Hyper emotional Democrats have lost the news media they once controlled and a public that used to pay attention. Now they dream about bringing back Air America and Al Franken and think they will win elections based on their stupid ideas. Republicans own the real big tent and Democrats are stuck with out of touch feral idiots.

#39 | Posted by Robson at 2025-02-18 05:26 PM

Hyper emotional Democrats have lost the news media they once controlled and a public that used to pay attention. Now they dream about bringing back Air America and Al Franken and think they will win elections based on their stupid ideas. Republicans own the real big tent and Democrats are stuck with out of touch feral idiots.
#39 | Posted by Robson at 2025-02-18 05:26 PM

Easy as Terrier pie.

#40 | Posted by redlightrobot at 2025-02-18 05:37 PM

#37 | Posted by Robson

STFU idiot.

#41 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-18 06:35 PM

Reported 4.7 trillion dollars outlay by USA Treasury as a single unidentifiable expenditure without a line item ID. Unbelievable and corrupt. We need to examine every Treasury expenditure. We are pouring away your taxes and our country in an effort to waste even more money. Why is Section 8 authorized for illegals where landlords get rich?

Met an elderly old family friend in a small community who told me a large number of non English speaking illegal young men etc moved into a rental house next door where there their large number of cars take up all spots. Then they dump trash into her garbage cans and party all week. People are tired of paying for foreign trash that tears down communities.
They need charged and deported.

#42 | Posted by Robson at 2025-02-18 07:16 PM

Airlifting the orange pedo to Walter Reed was the biggest waste of taxpayer money in the nation's history.

#43 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2025-02-18 07:19 PM

Robson is what happens when people believe everything Trump and Musk tell them.

And then there's the part where those things are walked back, like Musks 100M fake SS accounts, that don't get reported in a Trumper's rwing media, so they still parrot the lying propaganda.

It's a vicious circle of lying fools.

#44 | Posted by Corky at 2025-02-18 07:37 PM

#42

You're nothing but a despicable racist turd. Go ---- yourself.

#45 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2025-02-18 10:03 PM

#42
The folks living next to you really do have a lot to say.
Oddly, none of it good.
Or so they say.
Sometimes.
Somewhere.
Somehow.
Some thing, huh?

#46 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2025-02-19 08:14 AM

Reported 4.7 trillion dollars outlay by USA Treasury as a single unidentifiable expenditure without a line item ID.

You idiots actually believe this nonsense? You believe the treasury gave out what amounts to 69.1% of the 2024 federal budget in a single unidentified line item?

You're stupid. There's no nice, easy way to say it. You're. Stupid. Stupid beyond comprehension.

#47 | Posted by jpw at 2025-02-19 10:11 AM

You're stupid. There's no nice, easy way to say it. You're. Stupid. Stupid beyond comprehension.

I do not understand how completely these morons have have so completely shut themselves off from reality.

#48 | Posted by YAV at 2025-02-19 02:08 PM

"Sure, they're footing more of the bill. And they're also building their own weapons because they realize that they can't rely upon the US When Traitor Trump is President, even when there is no doubt which side we should be on.

Wear that MAGAt had with pride. Or swap it out for an ushanka. They mean about the sa

#49 | Posted by danni at 2025-02-19 06:54 PM

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