Trump Creates DOGE via Executive Order on Inauguration Day

President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency as an advisory body co-led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, granting it sweeping access to federal payment systems, personnel records, and agency operations without statutory authorization from Congress. DOGE operated outside normal agency rulemaking requirements and immediately began directing agencies to freeze grants and cancel contracts. Courts subsequently questioned whether DOGE had any lawful authority over congressionally appropriated funds.