Timesdo – Washington, D.C. – In a dramatic legal twist, a U.S. federal judge halted the Trump administration’s push to dismantle USAID, delivering a sharp rebuke to billionaire Elon Musk and his team at DOGE.
The decision, issued by Maryland District Judge Theodore Chuang, places a temporary block on the administration’s effort, arguing that the closure violated constitutional principles by sidestepping congressional authority.
The ruling follows weeks of chaotic dismantling efforts that saw thousands of employees placed on leave, headquarters signage removed, and essential digital systems shut down. By early February, staff had been locked out of their offices, left scrambling for clarity amid Musk’s public attacks on the agency, which he labeled “evil.” The situation escalated when protesters gathered outside USAID headquarters in late February, demanding accountability for what they called an unlawful dismissal of government employees.
Judge Chuang’s scathing order not only bars further disbandment efforts but also mandates that critical computer systems be restored and that USAID be allowed to reoccupy its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The ruling underscored the constitutional breach, stating that the administration’s move «deprives elected representatives in Congress of their authority» over the fate of the agency.
The lawsuit, filed by current and former USAID employees, challenges the legality of the abrupt shutdown and the mass firings carried out under DOGE’s direction. While the Trump administration has vowed to reduce federal expenditures, Judge Chuang’s order reinforces that such actions must align with legislative mandates, a significant legal hurdle for Musk’s controversial agenda.
Despite this legal setback, Musk has continued his criticism of USAID, while Trump has remained firm in his stance that the agency’s closure aligns with his broader governmental restructuring plans. However, the ruling signals that Congress, not the executive branch or private interests, has the final say on the future of USAID, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over federal governance.