By United States Agency for International Development
A federal judge has prohibited the Trump administration from proceeding with efforts to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID). In a decision made on Tuesday, Judge Theodore Chuang stated that the initiatives spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department for Government Efficiency (Doge) to close the agency likely contravened the US Constitution “in several respects.”
Chuang mandated that Doge restore access to USAID’s computer and payment systems for all employees, including those who had been placed on leave. The judge also decreed that the termination of USAID employees must cease, although he did not order the reinstatement of those previously on leave.
This ruling emerged from a lawsuit filed on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees, who claimed in court documents that Musk is engaging in “a predictable and reckless slash-and-burn pattern” aimed at dismantling US government agencies. In a complaint submitted on February 13, the employees’ attorneys contended that Musk’s authority is illegitimate, as he has neither been officially nominated for a government position nor confirmed by the US Senate, and they requested that Doge’s actions be halted and reversed.
USAID was among the first agencies targeted for budget cuts by Doge shortly after Trump resumed his presidency in January, which included a 90-day freeze on all US foreign aid. Musk and Doge maintained in court filings that Musk’s involvement is merely advisory. However, Judge Chuang determined that Musk and Doge exercised control over USAID, which “likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways, harming not only the plaintiffs but also the public interest.”
The impact of this ruling on USAID’s operations remains uncertain, as administration officials have indicated that over 80% of the agency’s activities have been suspended.
The ruling issued on Tuesday faced criticism from the Trump administration. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly stated, “Rogue judges are undermining the will of the American people in their efforts to obstruct President Trump from executing his agenda,” labeling the decision a “miscarriage of justice” and pledging to appeal it.
Norm Eisen, the executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, which represented the USAID employees, described the ruling as “a significant step in countering the illegality associated with Musk and Doge.” He remarked, “They are using a chainsaw instead of a scalpel, inflicting damage not only on the individuals served by USAID but also on the majority of Americans who rely on the stability of our government.”
This ruling represents yet another legal challenge for the Trump administration. On Monday, a different federal judge ordered a suspension of the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members. The judge in that instance questioned Department of Justice attorneys regarding the lack of immediate implementation of his order, which was issued while several deportation flights were in progress.
In response, President Trump called for the impeachment of the judge involved, which elicited an unusual rebuke from the Chief Justice of the US Supreme court.
