Irvine, CA
Powerful congressional candidate–and complex litigation attorney–Eric J. Troutman is raising concerns about an organization seemingly tricking consumers and voters into believing it has a connection with the California government when it does not.
The organization is CAL DOGE, and although the “DOGE” means “Department of Government Efficiency” the organization actually has no official connection to the California government.
“My campaign is all about getting the liars out of politics. And that starts right now.” Troutman says. “Little known fact– despite calling itself a “California Department” CAL DOGE is not actually affiliated with the California government at all. The DOGE here might as well stand for ‘Doesn’t Operate [or] Genuinely Exist’ because it doesn’t. They’re tricking people–committing an outright fraud– by suggesting they’re a department of the government when they are not.”
No Official Government Connection
Standing for “Department of Government Efficiency,” the acronym DOGE was made famous by Elon Musk’s efforts to shrink the size of the federal government during the Trump administration’s second term. In that case, however, DOGE was an official program of the federal government.
CAL DOGE, however, has no official connection to the State of California. Rather CAL DOGE is an initiative run by political candidates like Steve Hilton and Jenny Rae Le Roux. Troutman says that means the organization cannot be trusted.
“These people have an agenda–they aren’t independent like me and it is disgusting they are pretending to be affiliated with the California government when they are not.” Troutman says. “I have litigated plenty of trademark infringement and Lanham Act claims–and this would be an open-and-shut case. They are plainly implying a false connection with the government of California to get people to trust them. They’re outright stealing an acronym to suggest they are a government department when they’re not. This is a shocking and obnoxious fraud.”
Troutman says everyone affiliated with the organization should drop out–and perhaps seek legal counsel.
“CAL DOGE is just another dirty rotten trick by crooked politicians and I’d expect there will be litigation over it.” Troutman says. “The people are tired of this nonsense– which is why they want Troutman in office so badly. One thing is for sure– everyone associated with this scam should drop out of politics immediately. We need honest people in office.”
Troutman Says “Unreliable” Le Roux Fox News Interview Only Confirms People Are Being “Tricked”
Notably CAL DOGE Director Le Roux was recently interviewed at length on Fox News.
“Trump was right when he said there’s ‘something weird going on at Fox.’ These guys are totally unreliable and already had to pay over $700MM for false claims regarding an election. Many viewers don’t trust them.” Troutman says. “Now they’re at it again– covering this CAL DOGE fraud as if it is a real California department and letting Le Roux ramble on and on.”
Troutman says Le Roux’s awkward facial expressions and choppy speech patterns during the interview display consciousness of guilt.
“She looked terrible in that interview. Could barely form a sentence. Eyebrows dancing all over her face. That’s how people talk when they know they’re lying.” Troutman says. “If she was being honest she would speak more naturally and fluidly. In my role as a trial lawyer I have to pick up on body language queues–and her body language screams ‘untruthful.’ She knew she was tricking people.”
Other Candidates Decline to Comment– But Republican Frontrunner “Glad” Troutman Is Reporting on the Apparent Fraud
Troutman says he personally reached out to several candidates running in California’s 47th Congressional District for comment on the story– including Le Roux.
“I’m a very nice guy– a very fair guy. I wanted to give Jenny a chance to defend herself.” Troutman says. “I reached out to her for comment but she simply ignored my request. Same thing she did when I challenged her to a debate. Quite rude. Maybe she thinks she’s too good for me. Hard to say.”
Troutman says other candidates likewise declined comment although Republican front-runner Michael Maxsenti expressed approval at Troutman’s planned story.
“Maxsenti is a very honest guy. A guy I really admire but who is just too old for office in my view.” Troutman says. “When I reached out to Michael he actually encouraged me saying he was ‘glad’ I was going to do a story on the CAL DOGE fraud. He doesn’t like liars any more than I do. But he didn’t want to get involved. And I understand that. He’s doing really well in his campaign.”
The California primary election is set for June 2, 2026.
Last modified: May 1, 2026
