Federal Judge Blocks Elon Musk’s Effort to Shut Down USAID
A federal judge has blocked Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), ruling that the move likely violated the Constitution. Judge Theodore Chuang has ordered DOGE to restore access to USAID’s computer and payment systems and has prohibited further layoffs or terminations. The lawsuit, brought by USAID employees, argues that Musk lacked legal authority to dismantle the agency.
The ruling comes amid concerns that the rapid shutdown of USAID has caused serious harm. A court brief filed by former national security officials warned that halting USAID operations damages U.S. credibility and allows adversaries like China and Russia to fill the void. Meanwhile, a former USAID official described the situation as leading to “preventable death” due to canceled humanitarian aid. Despite this, the Trump administration remains defiant, with Trump vowing to appeal and calling the judge “rogue” in a Fox News interview.
Musk, who was appointed by Trump to lead DOGE, has dismissed the ruling as partisan. In response to criticism on social media, he simply wrote, “indeed.” The White House also condemned the decision, calling it a “miscarriage of justice.” However, the court order stands, forcing the administration to halt its efforts to dismantle USAID—at least for now.
