A federal judge has halted the Trump administration from further dismantling the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
In a ruling on Tuesday, Judge Theodore Chuang stated that the move—led by Trump ally Elon Musk through the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge)—likely violated the US Constitution “in multiple ways.” Chuang ordered Doge to restore USAID employees’ access to computer and payment systems and to cease terminating staff, though he did not reinstate those already placed on leave.
The lawsuit, filed on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees, argues that Musk has been aggressively dismantling government agencies without proper authority. Lawyers contend that Musk’s role is illegitimate, as he was neither officially nominated nor confirmed by the Senate, and they sought to halt Doge’s activities.
USAID was among the first agencies targeted after Trump re-entered the White House in January and imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign aid.
While Musk and Doge claim his role is strictly advisory, Judge Chuang ruled that they exercised control over USAID in a way that harmed both employees and the public interest.
The impact of the ruling remains uncertain, as administration officials say over 80% of USAID’s operations have already been suspended. The Trump administration denounced the decision, with White House spokesperson Anna Kelly accusing “rogue judges” of obstructing Trump’s agenda and vowing to appeal.
Norm Eisen, chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, which represents the USAID employees, praised the ruling as a crucial step in resisting Doge’s “reckless and illegal” actions. He likened their approach to “performing surgery with a chainsaw,” warning of broader harm to government stability. This decision marks yet another legal hurdle for the Trump administration.
