Judge Blocks Elon Musk’s Move to Shut Down USAID Amid Legal Battle

A federal judge has halted Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), ruling their actions likely violate the Constitution.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ordered Musk and DOGE to restore access to USAID’s computer systems for employees and contractors. The decision follows a lawsuit from USAID staff, claiming Musk unlawfully took control of the agency without Senate confirmation.

Musk, a key adviser to President Donald Trump, helped implement a sweeping freeze on U.S. foreign aid. After Trump’s executive order, Musk and DOGE reportedly seized USAID’s financial and email systems, suspended payments, and placed employees on leave. Musk later boasted on X about dismantling the agency.

The court found that Musk and DOGE exerted direct control over USAID, contradicting their claims of merely advising. Judge Chuang ruled their actions harmed not just employees but the public interest. However, the judge did not reverse USAID’s mass layoffs and program terminations, which had been officially approved by administration officials.

Trump vowed to appeal the decision, criticizing the judge as "rogue." Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the administration is slashing over 80% of USAID’s operations.

In a separate case, another federal judge ordered the government to release $671 million in frozen contractor payments but stopped short of reinstating contracts. The administration has delayed full payments, citing the need for reviews, prompting further legal scrutiny.

The case underscores growing tensions over U.S. foreign aid policy and the administration’s aggressive restructuring efforts.