A striking decision was made by a federal judge this Tuesday, challenging the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) concerning USAID. This decision could be a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping the dynamics of government operations.
Theodore Chuang, an appointee under Obama, declared that DOGE’s shutdown of USAID likely breached the Constitution. In a firm response, Chuang ordered Elon Musk and DOGE to restore the agency’s full functionality.
This lawsuit was set in motion by both current and former USAID employees. Their legal battle stands as a testament to the commitment of those who refuse to see the dismantling of significant government programs.
Within the initial weeks of President Trump’s second term, a sweeping layoff affected thousands of USAID personnel, accompanied by the shutdown of various programs. These significant changes have faced repeated legal challenges aiming to halt the administration’s efforts.
Judge Chuang highlighted that DOGE’s actions contravened the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Separation of Powers principle. The plaintiffs accused Elon Musk of wielding unchecked power, emphasizing that his lack of Senate confirmation should bar him from issuing commands within the executive branch.
The judge decisively barred DOGE from any more actions connected to USAID’s closure, reaffirming the foundational role of Congress in such decisions.
“For the foregoing reasons, the Court finds that Defendants’ actions taken to shut down USAID on an accelerated basis, including its apparent decision to permanently close USAID headquarters without the approval of a duly appointed USAID Officer, likely violate the United States Constitution in multiple ways, and that these actions harmed not only Plaintiffs, but also the public interest, because they deprived the public’s elected representatives in Congress of their constitutional authority to decide whether, when, and how to close down an agency created by Congress,” the Judge wrote in a 68-page ruling.
#BREAKING: A federal judge has just ORDERED Elon Musk and DOGE to reinstate practically ALL of USAID’s functionality
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor)
March 18, 2025
This ruling ignites a debate on whether a judge can mandate the executive branch to sustain USAID, despite its alleged history of waste, fraud, and abuse. The decision is a clear example of the ongoing struggle between different branches of government, with activist judges playing a major role in this complex legal landscape.
