US Judge Rules Dismantling of USAID Violates Constitution, Orders Pause on Further Cuts
A US federal judge has ruled that the dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has likely violated the Constitution, and ordered an indefinite pause on further cuts to the agency. The ruling is a significant setback for the Trump administration, which has been rapidly dismantling the agency over the past two months.
Ruling and Background
US District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland ordered the administration of US President Donald Trump to restore email and computer access to all USAID employees, including those on administrative leave, though the ruling does not reverse firings or fully restore the agency. The lawsuit was filed by USAID employees and contractors, arguing that Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are wielding power reserved by the Constitution for elected officials or those confirmed by the Senate.
The judge rejected DOGE’s argument that Musk’s role is merely an adviser to Trump, finding that Musk has "firm control over DOGE." DOGE’s fast-moving destruction of USAID likely harmed the public interest by depriving elected lawmakers of their "constitutional authority to decide whether, when and how to close down an agency created by Congress," ruled the judge.
Rapid Dismantling of USAID
The Trump administration has been rapidly dismantling USAID over the past two months, placing top security officials on forced leave, terminating a large portion of the agency’s programme contracts, and ordering most staff members off the job through forced leaves and firings. The administration has also suspended several USAID programs, including those focused on global health, education, and economic development.
Consequences of the Ruling
The judge’s decision is seen as a milestone in pushback against DOGE, with critics arguing that the rapid dismantling of USAID has disrupted global humanitarian relief efforts and harmed the public interest. The ruling is also a significant setback for Musk and the Trump administration, which had been pushing to dismantle the agency.
Reaction from Trump
Trump told Fox News that his administration would appeal the ruling. "I guarantee you we will be appealing it. We have rogue judges that are destroying our country," he said.
Conclusion
The ruling is a significant blow to the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, and marks a major victory for the agency’s employees and contractors. The decision highlights the importance of checks and balances in the US government, and the need for elected officials to have a say in the decision-making process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is USAID?
A: USAID is the United States Agency for International Development, a federal agency responsible for providing economic and humanitarian assistance to countries around the world.
Q: Why is USAID being dismantled?
A: The Trump administration has been rapidly dismantling USAID over the past two months, citing the need to reduce government spending and streamline operations.
Q: What is DOGE?
A: DOGE is the Department of Government Efficiency, a department established by President Trump to oversee government agencies and reduce waste and inefficiency.
Q: What is the impact of the ruling on USAID?
A: The ruling is a significant setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID, and may lead to a pause in further cuts to the agency. The decision also highlights the importance of checks and balances in the US government, and the need for elected officials to have a say in the decision-making process.