A U.S. judge has rejected a request to stop Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from firing federal employees and accessing government data.

This decision is a win for President Donald Trump, who aims to reduce government spending.

Fourteen states, led by Democrats, filed a lawsuit to stop Musk’s actions, arguing that he had no legal authority to make such decisions.

However, District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled against their request for a temporary restraining order. She stated that the states failed to prove they would suffer immediate harm if Musk continued his plans.

Musk, a major Trump supporter, is leading efforts to reduce government costs through DOGE. His cost-cutting measures have resulted in mass layoffs and even the closure of some federal agencies.

The states that filed the lawsuit argued that Musk had too much control over government spending and decisions, even though he was not formally nominated or approved by the Senate.

The lawsuit also raised concerns about DOGE’s access to sensitive data from key government agencies, such as Education, Health and Human Services, and Transportation.

The states wanted to prevent Musk from collecting this data and from firing government employees. However, the judge ruled that potential harm was not enough reason to block Musk’s actions.

Musk’s job-cutting strategies have led to lawsuits across the country. Last week, another judge lifted a temporary block on a buyout program that encouraged federal employees to leave their jobs voluntarily in exchange for eight months’ pay. Over 75,000 workers accepted the offer.

Critics argue that Trump’s executive actions are excessive, while the White House accuses Democratic-led courts of trying to block the president’s plans. Judge Chutkan, who made the ruling, was previously involved in a case against Trump related to the 2020 election.

Musk’s government reforms continue to face legal pushback, but for now, his plans to cut federal jobs and spending will move forward.