A federal judge has expressed strong disapproval of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) insufficient and ambiguous response to a lawsuit concerning the cryptocurrency DOGE. In a recent ruling, the judge demanded that the FCC produce specific documents that have been withheld under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), citing the agency’s lack of clarity as a concern.

The lawsuit was initiated by journalist Nina Burleigh and the advocacy group Frequency Forward, which is examining potential conflicts of interest stemming from Elon Musk’s influence over government agencies, including the FCC. The plaintiffs allege that the FCC violated FOIA by unlawfully withholding records related to DOGE’s activities within the agency, raising questions about transparency and regulatory oversight.

This legal challenge prompted a swift response from US District Judge Amy Berman Jackson in Washington, D.C. While she denied the request for a preliminary injunction that would have halted certain FCC actions, she ordered the commission to begin producing responsive documents on a scheduled basis. Specifically, the FCC is instructed to submit ongoing document productions by September 15 and October 6, 2025.

Additionally, the court mandated the FCC to propose a schedule for completing its full document production, with a deadline set for October 13, 2025. This move underscores the judiciary’s push for transparency and accountability from federal agencies involved in regulating digital assets.

For more information on FOIA procedures and how government agencies handle document requests, visit the [U.S. Department of Justice FOIA page](https://www.justice.gov/oip/freedom-information-act-foia). Details about the legal process and recent court rulings can be followed through official court records and legal resources.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com