Federal Judge Rules Against DOGE's Attempt to Shut Down USAID
In a significant ruling, a US federal judge has determined that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violated the Constitution in its attempt to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The ruling, delivered by US District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland, mandates that DOGE, led by Trump adviser Elon Musk, must restore access to USAID's computer systems for its employees who had been placed on leave as a result of the agency's shutdown attempt.
Judge Chuang's decision came as the result of a lawsuit filed by current and former USAID employees, who argued that Musk and DOGE lacked the authority to dissolve an entity established by Congress in 1961. "Today's decision is an important victory against Elon Musk and his DOGE attack on USAID, the US government, and the Constitution," stated Norm Eisen, head of the State Democracy Defenders Fund and attorney for the 26 anonymous plaintiffs involved in the case.
The White House reacted sharply to the ruling, with spokeswoman Anna Kelly asserting, "Rogue judges are subverting the will of the American people in their attempts to stop President Trump from carrying out his agenda." President Trump confirmed intentions to appeal this preliminary ruling, labeling it as a "miscarriage of justice" and vowing to oppose what he described as activist judgments that overstep the boundaries of judicial power.
Judge Chuang highlighted evidence suggesting that Musk wielded significant authority typically reserved for an official in a government position, raising questions about his role beyond being merely an adviser to President Trump. He emphasized that there was no legal statute permitting the Executive Branch to disband USAID, stating clearly, "There is no statute that authorizes the Executive Branch to shut down USAID."
USAID is a crucial government agency that oversees civilian foreign aid and development aid, operating in over 100 countries and distributing billions in assistance annually while employing roughly 10,000 individuals worldwide.
The Trump administration has criticized USAID for perceived inefficiencies and for being misaligned with American interests, suggesting that its responsibilities could be integrated into the State Department. Critics of this move stress that critical social and cultural programs funded by USAID may not fit within a revised mission centered solely on diplomatic objectives.
In recent years, USAID has played an instrumental role in providing substantial assistance to Ukraine, with billions allocated in humanitarian aid and development support since 2022, notably benefiting the country's agriculture sector through the provision of seeds, fertilizers, and financial support.
The attempt to merge USAID into the State Department has spurred pushback from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that doing so could jeopardize funding for international aid programs, impacting critical support for nations including Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Jordan. A report from the Congressional Research Service noted that in fiscal year 2023, USAID managed over $40 billion in appropriations to fund projects across around 130 countries, with Ukraine being one of the top recipients of aid.
As the legal battle unfolds, the implications of Judge Chuang's ruling could resonate widely in the corridors of power in Washington, where the future of international aid programs hangs in the balance amid ongoing debates over their efficacy and alignment with US foreign policy objectives.
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