A federal judge has blocked further actions aimed at dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), a decision made on March 18, 2025. In a ruling delivered by Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland, it was determined that the unidentified actions led by Elon Musk’s Department for Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely contravened the U.S. Constitution on several fronts.
Judge Chuang's decision mandated that the Trump administration restore access to USAID’s electronic systems for its employees, including those previously placed on administrative leave following widespread cuts at the agency. While the ruling ordered the administration to halt termination of USAID staff, he did not reinstate employees already terminated. This case was initiated by 26 anonymous USAID employees who argue Musk is executing an illegitimate power grab without appropriate Senate confirmation.
USAID was swiftly targeted for cuts after President Trump re-entered the White House in January 2025, enforcing a 90-day freeze on all U.S. foreign aid right out of the gate. In court filings, it was reported that over 80% of USAID's operations have been abruptly halted due to the administration’s aggressive reshaping of the agency.
“Today’s decision is an important victory against Elon Musk and his DOGE attack on USAID, the U.S. government, and the Constitution,” said Norm Eisen, executive chair of State Democracy Defenders Fund, which represented the USAID employees. Eisen likened the administration's approach to “performing surgery with a chainsaw instead of a scalpel,” prompting harm not just to USAID employees, but to broader American interests reliant on governmental stability.
Judge Chuang’s ruling highlights a crucial legal argument: Musk’s activities likely violate the U.S. Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the principle of separation of powers. This assessment undermines the administration’s assertions that Musk’s role is limited to an advisory position, clarifying that the Department for Government Efficiency has effectively usurped control over a federally established agency.
The judge’s order also coincided with a wave of criticism from the Trump administration, which labelled the ruling a “miscarriage of justice.” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly claimed the ruling undermines the will of the American people and signalled intentions to appeal the decision.
Despite the turbulent response from the administration, the ruling signifies a critical legal setback for broad initiatives aimed at drastically reducing the federal bureaucracy. Prior to the ruling, the administration faced another judicial challenge aimed at halting deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members, illustrating a pattern of judicial pushback against executive decisions.
As part of his decision, Judge Chuang demanded that the administration develop a plan for reopening USAID’s operations, which have suffered significant disruptions, with many unresolved operational questions lingering. The White House has hinted at the possibility of utilizing the courts in future actions against such rulings that challenge the executive’s authority.
The ongoing conflict illustrates not only the tensions within the current administration but also a broader struggle regarding the future and role of federal agencies such as USAID in fulfilling their mandated missions. The situation continues to evolve, and further legal developments are expected as both sides prepare for a drawn-out legal battle over the future of USAID.
In light of these developments, experts predict a highly charged political atmosphere as the Trump administration strives to redefine relationships between governmental departments. Meanwhile, the repercussions for global aid initiatives and American diplomatic standing could linger, especially given the critical role of USAID in international development.
As the story unfolds, it is essential to monitor the actions taken by the Trump administration and their implications on U.S. foreign policy, humanitarian assistance, and domestic operational stability within the executive branch.
