Behind the lawsuit are several trade unions, representing state employees. The application was submitted to a federal court in California on Monday, just a few hours before Elon Musk's deadline expired. Musk's demands, which were first communicated on X last week, are illegal and should be blocked, according to the lawsuit.
The organization State Democracy Defenders Fund, which coordinates several unions behind the lawsuit, calls the threat of mass layoffs "one of the most extensive employment frauds in the country's history" in a statement.
Musk leads President Donald Trump's White House initiative Doge (Department of government efficiency), which works on government efficiency and savings.
His actions in the state apparatus have sparked strong reactions in the USA and have resulted in demonstrations across the country.
Since Donald Trump took office as president, a long series of austerity packages have been presented, and tens of thousands have been laid off.
