Federal Judge Blocks Trump Cuts to USAID, Cites Constitutional Violations

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), ruling that actions taken by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely violate the Constitution. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ordered the immediate restoration of email and computer access for all USAID employees, including those placed on leave, and issued a preliminary injunction preventing any further moves to shut down the agency. The ruling stems from a lawsuit brought by USAID employees and contractors, who argued that Musk was overstepping his authority without proper appointment. Critics, including Oxfam America, welcomed the decision as a necessary step to preserve the agency's vital functions while calling for full reinstatement of funding and staff. However, some argue that the judge's understanding of USAID's creation may be flawed, potentially undermining the ruling's legitimacy. Overall, the ruling represents a significant legal challenge to the administration's push to reduce the agency's operations.