Justice Department Seeks to Block Deposition of Elon Musk in USAID Lawsuit
The Justice Department has filed a request with a court to block the deposition of former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk, who is being sued over allegations that he led efforts to eliminate the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The lawsuit, filed by current and former USAID employees and contractors, claims that Musk's actions violated the separation of powers.
Musk had served as a special government employee, leading the Department of Government Efficiency from January 2023 to May 30. Critics have raised concerns about his involvement with SpaceX, which received billions of dollars in federal contracts. The Justice Department argues that limiting executive branch officials like Musk from testifying in court is only justified in exceptional circumstances.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for harm done to their careers and financial security, as well as an injunction declaring the actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency against USAID unconstitutional. A ruling on the Justice Department's request could impact the lawsuit's progress.
Musk's role as a special government employee has raised questions about his involvement in matters that could create conflicts of interest. The Justice Department defines this role as temporary employment with certain restrictions, which Musk is no longer under due to the end of his initial stint on May 30.
The Justice Department has filed a request with a court to block the deposition of former Department of Government Efficiency head Elon Musk, who is being sued over allegations that he led efforts to eliminate the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The lawsuit, filed by current and former USAID employees and contractors, claims that Musk's actions violated the separation of powers.
Musk had served as a special government employee, leading the Department of Government Efficiency from January 2023 to May 30. Critics have raised concerns about his involvement with SpaceX, which received billions of dollars in federal contracts. The Justice Department argues that limiting executive branch officials like Musk from testifying in court is only justified in exceptional circumstances.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for harm done to their careers and financial security, as well as an injunction declaring the actions taken by the Department of Government Efficiency against USAID unconstitutional. A ruling on the Justice Department's request could impact the lawsuit's progress.
Musk's role as a special government employee has raised questions about his involvement in matters that could create conflicts of interest. The Justice Department defines this role as temporary employment with certain restrictions, which Musk is no longer under due to the end of his initial stint on May 30.