Wed Mar 19 00:25:34 UTC 2025: ## Federal Judge Halts Musk’s Dismantling of USAID, Citing Constitutional Violations

**Washington D.C.** – A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from further dismantling the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Judge Theodore Chuang of the Maryland District Court ruled on Tuesday that Musk’s actions, carried out under a presidential order from President Trump, likely violated the separation of powers clause of the US Constitution.

The injunction comes in response to a lawsuit filed by 26 USAID employees and contractors. The judge found that the rapid closure of USAID headquarters, the firing of approximately 1,600 employees, the furloughing of another 4,700, and the cancellation of 83% of USAID contracts likely deprived Congress of its constitutional authority to oversee the agency’s operations. Judge Chuang’s decision stated that Musk and DOGE acted to shut down USAID without proper Congressional approval.

Musk, serving as a “special government employee,” spearheaded a broad campaign to restructure the federal government, with USAID becoming an early target. His actions included controversial social media posts declaring USAID a “criminal organization” and boasting about “feeding” the agency “into the wood chipper.”

The injunction prevents further staff cuts, contract cancellations, building closures, and the destruction of USAID materials. It also mandates the restoration of employee access to electronic systems and the recovery of deleted emails.

The ruling represents a significant setback for Musk and President Trump, who have justified the government-wide cuts by citing unsubstantiated claims of waste and fraud. Trump allies have criticized Judge Chuang, a Barack Obama appointee, accusing him of partisanship. Musk himself reposted a message echoing these criticisms. The legal battle over USAID’s future and the broader scope of Musk’s authority within the Trump administration is expected to continue.

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