Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, alongside New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez and Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, has spearheaded a coalition of 14 states in filing a lawsuit against Elon Musk. The legal action challenges the delegation of executive power to Musk, asserting it violates the Appointments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. This clause mandates that executive appointments require Congressional oversight and Senate confirmation.

"This extraordinary assault on our federal government by the unelected, unappointed billionaire Elon Musk usurps the right of the Senate to advise and consent and is plainly unconstitutional," stated Nessel. She emphasized the need for judicial intervention to "invalidate his directives and actions" and prevent Musk's department from exercising unauthorized governmental authority.

The lawsuit claims that President Donald Trump unlawfully created a new federal Department without Congressional approval, granting Musk significant control over federal agencies. According to the complaint, this has led to disruptions affecting state governments, federal employees, and citizens.

"Musk’s seemingly limitless and unchecked power to strip the government of its workforce and eliminate entire departments with the stroke of a pen, or click of a mouse, is unprecedented," reads part of the lawsuit.

State financial stability is reportedly at risk due to potential disruptions in federal funding crucial for services like law enforcement and healthcare. Additionally, there are concerns about cybersecurity as DOGE operatives allegedly accessed sensitive databases without proper oversight.

Nessel expressed concern over these developments: "The far-reaching and unauthorized intrusion metastasizing throughout the federal government has terrified Michiganders and all Americans."

The lawsuit seeks a court ruling declaring Musk's actions unconstitutional and aims to restrict his ability to issue orders within the Executive Branch beyond DOGE.

Joining Michigan in this legal challenge are attorneys general from New Mexico, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Washington, and Vermont.