In a significant legal development, a federal judge has halted the Trump administration's plans to shutter the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Department for Government Efficiency, known as Doge and led by Elon Musk, faced a judicial setback as its efforts to close the agency were deemed likely to violate the U.S. Constitution "in multiple ways." This ruling has brought the administration's aggressive budget-cutting strategies under scrutiny.
The judge's decision mandates Doge to restore access to USAID's computer and payment systems for its employees. Additionally, any further termination of USAID employees has been ordered to cease immediately. These actions came as part of a case involving 26 unnamed USAID employees who challenged the legitimacy of Doge's moves.
Doge, which has been criticized for following a "predictable and reckless slash-and-burn pattern," was one of the initial targets for cuts under President Trump's administration. Despite asserting that Elon Musk's role was merely advisory, Doge has faced accusations of overstepping its boundaries. The Trump administration, dissatisfied with the ruling, has vowed to appeal the decision.
"Rogue judges are subverting the will of the American people in their attempts to stop President Trump from carrying out his agenda," stated Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson.
This ruling represents a pivotal moment in challenging what has been described as Musk and Doge's overreach in dismantling government departments. Doge's legitimacy was questioned by lawyers representing USAID employees, emphasizing that Musk has neither been officially nominated to a government post nor confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Norm Eisen, executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, commented on the ruling, calling it "a milestone in pushing back on Musk and Doge's illegality."
The court's intervention not only halts Doge's actions but also reverses its previous moves against USAID. The federal judge questioned why his order to stop these activities was not immediately implemented, pointing to issues of compliance and governance within Doge.