the intercept sues doge
The Intercept Sues Department of Government Efficiency Over Transparency Concerns
The Intercept, an independent investigative news outlet, has filed a series of lawsuits against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a controversial initiative led by tech billionaire Elon Musk. The legal actions, part of a broader wave of litigation targeting DOGE, aim to compel the release of documents and communications to shed light on the opaque operations of this Trump administration project. The lawsuits allege that DOGE’s structure and actions violate federal transparency laws, raising questions about its authority and potential conflicts of interest.
What is the intercept ?
The Intercept is an independent, nonprofit investigative news organization founded in 2014 by journalists Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and Jeremy Scahill. Known for its in-depth reporting on government overreach, national security, and corporate misconduct, it gained prominence for publishing Edward Snowden’s leaks about NSA surveillance. Backed by First Look Media, The Intercept prioritizes transparency and accountability, often using Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to uncover hidden government activities. In its legal battle against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), The Intercept has staked its reputation as a watchdog for public interest.
By filing lawsuits and FOIA requests to expose DOGE’s opaque operations and potential conflicts of interest involving Elon Musk, the outlet risks financial and legal strain, as prolonged litigation against a powerful government entity could drain resources. However, success could reinforce its mission, yield critical documents, and set a precedent for holding DOGE accountable, amplifying public scrutiny of an initiative critics argue undermines democratic oversight.
A Flood of FOIA Requests to Doge from the Intercept
On March 7, 2025, The Intercept announced it had obtained and published Musk’s government email address, to encourage public filing of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
The outlet itself submitted over a dozen FOIA requests, seeking details about DOGE’s activities, Musk’s role, and the department’s interactions with federal agencies. The move was framed as a push for transparency at a time when DOGE’s rapid restructuring of federal bureaucracy has sparked widespread concern. “The government has given shifting and conflicting answers on Mr. Musk’s role, what DOGE is doing, and under what legal authority DOGE is operating,” said Donald Sherman, chief counsel at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, in an interview with The Intercept.
DOGE’s Unprecedented Power - ACCORDING to Intercept
Established by executive order on January 20, 2025, DOGE is tasked with modernizing federal technology, slashing regulations, and cutting federal spending by up to $2 trillion by 2026. Despite its name, DOGE is not an official federal department but an advisory body, initially co-led by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who stepped down to run for Ohio governor. The initiative has drawn scrutiny for its aggressive actions, including mass layoffs, agency restructuring, and access to sensitive federal data systems.
A February 2025 ruling by Judge Christopher R. Cooper ordered DOGE to produce documents for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, noting the department’s “secrecy” and “unprecedented” authority to reshape federal programs without congressional oversight. Cooper highlighted DOGE’s access to sensitive personal and classified data, raising alarms about its unchecked power.
The Intercept has also criticized DOGE’s selective cost-cutting. In a February 28 article, the outlet proposed over $2 trillion in potential savings by targeting the Department of Defense’s bloated budget, which exceeds $1 trillion annually and has failed seven consecutive audits.
The Intercepts LAwSuit CONTINUES even as Musk Leaves DOGE
DOGE’s actions have fueled public unrest, with protests erupting at Tesla showrooms and cities like San Francisco and Minneapolis in February 2025. Demonstrators have decried mass layoffs, service cuts, and privatization efforts, with some chants referencing Musk’s controversial public statements. Meanwhile, congressional responses are mixed. While Representatives Aaron Bean and Pete Sessions launched a DOGE Caucus to support efficiency efforts, Representative Sara Jacobs introduced the Delete DOGE Act, accusing the initiative of gutting programs to fund tax cuts for billionaires.
On April 26, 2025, an X user highlighted The Intercept’s lawsuit, noting its focus on why Musk has not cut SpaceX’s government contracts, suggesting potential conflicts of interest given Musk’s business ties. However, such claims remain speculative and require further evidence.
As The Intercept continues its FOIA-driven campaign, the news outlet remains a vocal critic of DOGE’s lack of transparency. With Americans expressing concern—57% worry DOGE could benefit Musk personally, per an Economist/YouGov survey—these lawsuits may test the limits of executive power and the public’s right to know.
For more information on The Intercept’s FOIA requests or to file your own, visit theintercept.com. For details on DOGE’s executive order, see whitehouse.gov.
