Judge Blocks USAID Dismantling by Musk

A US federal judge, Theodore D. Chuang, has issued a preliminary ruling blocking Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from further dismantling the United States — United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The judge found that efforts to shut down USAID, initiated by Donald Trump's administration, likely violated the US Constitution, particularly the Appointments Clause. The ruling requires the restoration of email and computer access for USAID employees but does not reverse layoffs. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by current and former USAID employees, represented by the Democracy Defenders Action. Donald Trump has stated his administration will appeal the ruling, calling the judges 'rogue'. The actions by Elon Musk and DOGE, including freezing payments and placing staff on leave, were part of a broader push to eradicate foreign aid programs, which Donald Trump deemed wasteful. A separate lawsuit also led to a judge ordering the release of frozen payments to USAID contractors.