Judge rules DOGE’s dismantling of USAID likely unconstitutional, blocks further cuts

WASHINGTON - A federal judge has halted the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), ruling that the effort led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violates the Constitution. 

The decision blocks further cuts, orders the restoration of email and computer access for employees, and raises serious questions about Musk’s role in federal government operations.

Judge Theodore Chuang rejected the Trump administration’s argument that Musk is merely acting as an advisor. Instead, he found that Musk has "firm control" over DOGE, citing his own public statements, including a social media post where he claimed he had "fed USAID into the wood chipper." 

The ruling delivers a major legal blow to Trump’s push to restructure foreign aid agencies and challenges whether the administration overstepped executive authority.

Why did the judge rule against DOGE?

The backstory:

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has sought to eliminate USAID, arguing that foreign aid is wasteful and serves to promote a liberal agenda. On Inauguration Day, Trump froze all foreign aid funding and ordered a review of U.S. development programs abroad.

The administration followed through in February, when it placed most of USAID’s worldwide staff on leave and notified at least 1,600 U.S.-based employees of their firings. The move was part of a broader effort to shut down USAID entirely and terminate its humanitarian and development programs.

The lawsuit, filed by USAID employees and contractors, argues that Musk and DOGE exceeded their legal authority by exercising powers that should be reserved for elected officials or those confirmed by the Senate.

FILE - A flag outside of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters is seen on February 03, 2025 in Washington, DC.  (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Judge Chuang’s ruling does not fully reinstate USAID or reverse all firings, but it does prevent DOGE from continuing to dismantle the agency while the case moves forward.

How is the Trump administration defending DOGE?

The other side:

The Trump administration and DOGE have defended their efforts, saying the changes at USAID are part of a broader initiative to root out waste, fraud, and abuse in federal government spending.

Officials argue that Musk is merely an advisor to Trump, not a government official, and therefore does not need Senate confirmation to participate in federal agency restructuring.

• The White House has insisted that DOGE’s actions are legal, saying they align with Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge to reduce government inefficiency.
• The Justice Department is expected to appeal the ruling, setting up a potential higher court battle over executive authority.

Despite these claims, Judge Chuang ruled that Musk has overstepped constitutional limits, citing his direct involvement in eliminating USAID and his public statements confirming his control over DOGE.

What’s next for USAID?

Big picture view:

The ruling marks the first major legal challenge to DOGE and could set a precedent for other lawsuits against Trump’s restructuring of the federal government.

• USAID employees will regain access to work systems, but the agency’s future remains in limbo.
• An appeal is likely, meaning the case could eventually reach the Supreme Court.
• If the ruling stands, it could limit Musk’s role in DOGE and restrict Trump’s authority to dismantle federal agencies without congressional approval.

For now, the court’s decision halts further cuts to USAID, but the legal battle over Trump’s government efficiency overhaul is far from over.