American Oversight Sues DOGE, Trump Officials for Violating Federal Records Act

On Wednesday, American Oversight filed a lawsuit against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE); the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Elon Musk, head of DOGE; Marco Rubio, in his capacity as acting archivist; Amy Gleason, acting administrator of the U.S. DOGE Service; and Steve Davis, head of DOGE, for systemically violating the Federal Records Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The suit challenges the defendants’ use of Signal and other ephemeral messaging platforms, as well as Google Docs, in an attempt to illegally bypass federal recordkeeping requirements and conceal government operations from public scrutiny.

Multiple reports have revealed that DOGE officials routinely conduct official business through these platforms, which may automatically delete messages and lack the necessary safeguards to preserve public records as required by law.

“Despite hollow claims of being ‘the most transparent organization in government ever,’ the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency has operated at breakneck speed to dismantle critical functions of the federal government — all while deliberately shielding its actions from public view,” said American Oversight interim Executive Director Chioma Chukwu. “This administration’s brazen use of Signal and Google Docs represents a calculated strategy to evade transparency laws and illegally destroy the public record. Transparency and the rule of law are not optional — they are essential. No one in this administration has the right to cover their tracks by deleting records or impeding oversight. That’s why we are taking decisive legal action to protect vital public records and hold those responsible accountable.”

The lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent the destruction of federal records and enforce compliance with FOIA requirements. 

Last month, American Oversight filed a landmark lawsuit and temporary restraining order against five high-ranking administration officials for their use of Signal to discuss sensitive and classified information and evade federal record-keeping requirements. American Oversight also launched an investigation into the administration’s widespread use of Signal.