Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Efforts to Shut Down USAID

In a significant legal development, a federal judge has intervened to halt the Trump administration’s attempts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Judge Theodore Chuang issued a ruling on March 18, 2025, that prevents further actions to close the agency and mandates that the Department for Government Efficiency (Doge), led by Trump ally Elon Musk, cease the termination of USAID employees.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed on February 13, 2025, on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees. These employees alleged that Musk, who has not been formally appointed to any government position nor confirmed by the Senate, is leading a reckless campaign to dismantle vital government departments. The complaint argued that Musk’s influence over Doge is illegitimate and called for an immediate halt to their activities.

Judge Chuang’s decision highlights the potential constitutional violations associated with Musk’s oversight of USAID. The judge stated that the actions taken by Musk and Doge not only harmed the plaintiffs but also posed a threat to the public interest. In his ruling, Chuang ordered that access to USAID’s computer and payment systems be restored for all employees, including those previously placed on leave.

The backdrop of this ruling includes a broader context of the Trump administration’s controversial policies. Shortly after Trump resumed office in January, he ordered a freeze on all U.S. foreign aid for 90 days, targeting USAID as one of the first agencies for cuts. Administration officials have indicated that over 80% of USAID’s operations have been suspended as a result.

The response from the Trump administration has been swift and critical. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly condemned the ruling, labeling it a “miscarriage of justice” and asserting that “rogue judges” are undermining the will of the American people. The administration has vowed to appeal the decision.

On the other hand, advocates for the USAID employees view the ruling as a significant victory. Norm Eisen, executive chair of the State Democracy Defenders Fund, which represented the plaintiffs, remarked that the ruling is a milestone in combating what he characterized as Musk and Doge’s illegal actions. He emphasized that their approach to governance is excessively aggressive, likening it to “performing surgery with a chainsaw instead of a scalpel.”

This ruling is part of a series of legal challenges facing the Trump administration. Just days prior, another federal judge ordered a halt to the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, raising questions about the government’s adherence to judicial orders. President Trump’s call for the impeachment of the judge in that case has drawn a rare public rebuke from the chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

As the legal battles continue, the future of USAID and its crucial role in international development hangs in the balance, with the implications of this ruling likely to resonate far beyond the courtroom.