1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

The recent court order requiring Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to produce records on their cost-cutting efforts raises serious concerns about the overreach of unconfirmed officials wielding excessive authority. Musk's role as the head of DOGE, an entity tasked with slashing federal spending, represents an unconstitutional exercise of power that should be reserved for Senate-confirmed officials. This legal challenge brought by 14 state attorneys general aims to uphold the vital principle of checks and balances enshrined in the Appointments Clause of the Constitution. No individual, regardless of their wealth or influence, should be permitted to wield such sweeping control over government operations without proper oversight and accountability. The court's ruling compelling Musk and DOGE to provide information on their decision-making processes, personnel changes, and interactions with state entities is a necessary step toward transparency and adherence to the rule of law. The American people deserve clarity on the scope of DOGE's authority and the extent to which it has impacted vital public services and programs. In light of these concerning developments, I urge you to support measures that would prevent unconfirmed individuals from assuming such far-reaching roles within the federal government. Safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions and upholding the constitutional separation of powers should be a top priority for all elected representatives.