Removal of DOGE Deposition Videos

A judge ordered the immediate removal of a series of depositions of DOGE members after excerpts went viral. In particular, a video in which a member of the group struggled to define DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) generated a wave of reactions and comments.

The depositions had been uploaded to YouTube by the Modern Language Association (MLA). MLA, the American Council of Learned Societies, and the American Historical Association have filed a lawsuit against the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and others involved in the allocation of hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to DOGE.

Concerns for Witness Safety

The government had requested the removal of the videos to protect witnesses and their families from attacks and reputational damage. In an official document, the government stated that at least one witness had suffered serious attacks, including death threats. Judge Colleen McMahon then ordered the plaintiffs to immediately remove the videos.

The plaintiffs filed an emergency motion, arguing that the video depositions had not been designated as confidential and that they had not violated any protective order. The motion was denied, and the hearing was scheduled for Tuesday.