Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have unveiled plans to overhaul federal regulations. Their strategy includes identifying and repealing rules they deem excessive or unauthorized, aiming to streamline government operations and reduce costs.
In a recent *Wall Street Journal* op-ed, the duo outlined their approach, citing recent Supreme Court decisions that limit agencies’ rulemaking powers. They intend to recommend sweeping regulatory cuts, mass layoffs across federal agencies, and the elimination of billions in spending they claim Congress never authorized. DOGE’s work, they said, would conclude by July 4, 2026, in time for America’s 250th anniversary.
Experts warn, however, that dismantling federal regulations is no small task. The Administrative Procedure Act (APA) requires a detailed repeal process, including public consultation, which could span years. While Trump could issue executive orders to pause enforcement, agencies remain bound by law to uphold many rules.
Legal challenges are also anticipated. Progressive groups and Democratic officials are likely to contest any broad deregulation efforts, mirroring the legal battles that hampered Trump’s first-term rollback of Obama-era policies.
Musk and Ramaswamy’s initiative may leverage recent Supreme Court rulings restricting agency authority, but many regulations are explicitly authorized by Congress or upheld by courts, making them harder to overturn. Legal experts predict a protracted battle over the validity and enforcement of DOGE’s recommendations.
If successful, DOGE’s work could reshape the federal bureaucracy, but the road ahead promises to be legally and politically contentious.
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