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Federal Judge Rules Musk and DOGE Likely Violated Constitution in USAID Shutdown

A preliminary injunction blocks further dismantling of USAID, citing constitutional violations and requiring restoration of access for employees and contractors.

People rally on 14th St NW in support of fired USAID workers during a protest, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, by the USAID headquarters in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
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Overview

  • Judge Theodore Chuang issued a preliminary injunction halting further actions to dismantle USAID and ordered the restoration of access to email, payment systems, and other electronic resources for employees and contractors.
  • The court found Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violated the Constitution's Appointments Clause and separation of powers by exercising authority without Senate confirmation.
  • The dismantling of USAID under Musk's direction resulted in the termination of 83% of contracts, a workforce reduction from over 10,000 to 611, and significant disruption to global foreign aid programs.
  • The Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling, framing it as judicial overreach, while critics argue the actions undermined congressional authority and the public interest.
  • USAID, established in 1961, has been effectively crippled, with its headquarters shuttered and many of its life-saving programs in over 120 countries halted or severely impacted.