Federal Judge Rules Musk's Efforts to Dismantle USAID Likely Unconstitutional

• A federal judge has ruled that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violated the Constitution in attempts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
• U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ordered Musk to restore access to email and computer systems for all USAID employees, including those placed on leave.
• The ruling comes amidst ongoing litigation brought by current and former USAID employees, asserting that Musk’s actions exceeded his authority and undermined Congress.

A federal judge's ruling has found that the Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) likely breached constitutional provisions. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang issued this decision in response to a lawsuit from a group of 26 current and former USAID employees and contractors, asserting that Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) unlawfully acted to shutter the agency, according to the Los Angeles Times. Judge Chuang’s ruling marks an essential legal development as it highlights how Musk's actions likely overstepped the bounds of governmental authority.

In his 68-page opinion, Judge Chuang emphasized that the actions taken against USAID "likely violated the United States Constitution in multiple ways." The judge specifically pointed out that such decisions were made without the necessary approval from a properly appointed USAID official. This suggests that the move to close the agency, which plays a vital role in distributing foreign assistance, was not only legally questionable but may also harm the public interest, as it deprived Congress of its constitutional authority to regulate federal agencies established by legislative acts.

As part of the injunction, the judge ordered Musk and DOGE to restore email, payment, and security access to all affected USAID employees. This decision was a direct response to the mass firing and administrative leave that had severely hindered the agency's operations. Notably, Judge Chuang's order prevents any further attempts to terminate USAID employees or close its offices without the express legal authority of the agency.

The case against Musk's leadership style reflects serious concerns over the way the Trump administration navigated complex legal frameworks for agency authority. As noted by Judge Chuang, if Musk's unofficial advisor role was allowed to circumvent established law, it could set a dangerous precedent for future administrations. The Hill reported that Musk’s influence within federal agencies, particularly in dismantling foundational structures such as USAID, raised alarms about potential abuses of power.

This ruling contributes to ongoing scrutiny into Musk's role in government, especially as his efforts to reform existing agencies are being contested on multiple legal fronts. While Musk has yet to respond publicly to this ruling, he has previously expressed significant criticisms of USAID, labeling it a "criminal organization" on social media.BBC reported similar sentiments expressed in various forums.