California Fights Back: Inside the Legal War Against DOGE’s Federal Cuts

When the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a federal agency created under President Trump and led in part by Elon Musk—began slashing jobs and closing federal offices in California, it didn’t take long for a legal response to mount.

Now, a growing coalition of California leaders is suing the federal government, alleging that DOGE’s actions violate both the Constitution and common sense.

What Is DOGE Doing?

DOGE’s mission is to “streamline” the federal government by eliminating what it calls wasteful jobs and leases. In practice, that has meant:

• Firing federal employees en masse across agencies like the Indian Health Service, U.S. Forest Service, and HUD.
• Canceling leases for government buildings, many of which serve low-income communities.
• Dismantling AmeriCorps programs, which provide youth employment and community development services.

In California, these cuts have had a disproportionate effect.

Who’s Suing—and Why

Governor Gavin Newsom, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, and Santa Clara County are among those leading the legal charge. Their arguments include:

• Constitutional Violations: The plaintiffs say DOGE’s mass layoffs bypass Congressional oversight and violate federal civil service protections.
• Targeted Harm to California: Many of the cuts seem aimed at blue states, with California hit harder than most others.
• Disruption of Essential Services: Local governments say the closures are destabilizing public health systems, housing programs, and emergency response infrastructure.

“This isn’t about trimming the fat. It’s about gutting the core of federal services in California,” said a lawyer representing Santa Clara County.

The Political Backdrop

Elon Musk’s involvement in DOGE has brought both attention and controversy. While some conservatives praise DOGE for taking on government bloat, many Californians see it as an attack on progressive governance.

The lawsuits frame DOGE not as a reform agency, but as a weaponized tool of political retribution, punishing states that have resisted the Trump administration’s agenda.

What Happens Next?

Legal analysts say the case could end up before the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, federal workers in California continue to receive pink slips, and key agencies are closing shop.

The Biden administration has yet to step in with a formal response, perhaps wary of appearing weak on government spending. But as one San Bernardino-based legal aid provider put it:

“We’ve already lost housing counselors, caseworkers, and public health coordinators. Every week DOGE goes unchecked, the damage deepens.”

More Than a Lawsuit

This isn’t just a legal matter—it’s a question about the role of government in everyday life. California is drawing a line in the sand. Whether the courts back them up remains to be seen.