Trump officials have argued that records from the government efficiency initiative fall under the Presidential Records Act, which can temporarily shield information from public scrutiny.

A federal judge ruled Monday that the US Department of Government Efficiency is likely covered by the Freedom of Information Act, a federal transparency law that allows outsiders to obtain internal government records detailing agency conduct.

A federal judge ruled Monday that Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency will likely have to open its records to Freedom of Information Act requests.

A federal judge ruled that DOGE, led by Elon Musk, is likely subject to FOIA, noting that the newly formed department had been run in "unusual secrecy."