U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang has issued a ruling that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violates the U.S. Constitution. 

The controversy began when the Trump administration, with Elon Musk serving as a key advisor, initiated steps to dismantle USAID as part of a broader effort to reduce government spending and eliminate what it deemed wasteful programs. The agency, established by Congress, has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign aid policy for decades, providing humanitarian assistance and development programs worldwide.

Judge Chuang found that the actions taken by Musk and DOGE likely infringed upon the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the separation of powers. The Appointments Clause requires that certain federal officials be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, which Musk, as an advisor, has not undergone.

Chuang ordered the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all USAID employees, including those on administrative leave. This move effectively halts many of the steps taken to dismantle the agency, though it does not fully reverse the firings or restore all agency operations.

U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang’s decision can be summarized as follows:

1. Constitutional Violation: Judge Chuang found that the actions taken by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) likely violated the Constitution, specifically the Appointments Clause and the separation of powers.
2. Preliminary Injunction: The judge granted a preliminary injunction, ordering Musk and DOGE to reinstate access to email and computer systems for all USAID employees, including those on administrative leave. They are prohibited from taking further actions related to the shutdown without explicit authorization from a legally empowered USAID official.
3. Public Interest: Chuang noted that the public interest was harmed by these actions, as they usurped Congress’s authority to decide on agency closures.
4. Lack of Authorization: The judge emphasized that there is no statutory authority for the Executive Branch to unilaterally shut down USAID, which was established by Congress.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated, “I guarantee you we will be appealing it. We have rogue judges that are doing this.”