Judge Theodore Halts USAID Shutdown

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from taking any further steps to shut down the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Judge Theodore Chuang said the efforts led by Trump ally Elon Musk’s Department for Government Efficiency (Doge) to close the agency likely violated the US Constitution “in multiple ways”.

The ruling came in a case brought on behalf of 26 unnamed USAID employees who allege in court filings that Musk is following “a predictable and reckless slash-and-burn pattern” in dismantling US government departments.

In a complaint filed on 13 February, lawyers for the employees argued that Musk’s power is illegitimate – as he has not been officially nominated to a government post nor confirmed by the US Senate – and asked for Doge’s activities to be halted and reversed.

USAID was one of the first agencies targeted by Doge for cuts shortly after Trump re-entered the White House in January and ordered a 90-day freeze of all US foreign aid.

Musk and Doge argued in court documents that Musk’s role is advisory only.

The Trump administration criticised Tuesday’s ruling.

“Rogue judges are subverting the will of the American people in their attempts to stop President Trump from carrying out his agenda,” White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said, calling the decision a “miscarriage of justice” and vowing to appeal.