A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) likely violated the Constitution and blocked billionaire Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from further cuts to the agency.
U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all employees of USAID, including those who were placed on administrative leave.
The lawsuit singled out Musk as a defendant covered by the preliminary injunction, arguing that he was wielding power the Constitution reserves only for those who win elections or are confirmed by the Senate.
Thousands of people participate in a protest against Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Washington on March 14, 2025. Allison Bailey/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
The order comes in a lawsuit filed by attorneys for USAID employees and contractors.
Chuang said the evidence suggests that Musk made decisions to shut down USAID’s headquarters and website despite the administration’s claim that he was merely President Donald Trump’s advisor.
Musk’s public statements and social media posts demonstrate that he has “firm control over DOGE,” the judge concluded.
The judge acknowledged that it’s unlikely that USAID is no longer capable of performing some of its statutorily required functions.
