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US judge blocks Musk's efforts to cut USAID funding, citing unconstitutional actions

US judge blocks Musk's efforts to cut USAID funding, citing unconstitutional actions
Wednesday 19 March 2025 - 13:37 By: Zahouani Ilham
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A federal judge has ruled against Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), blocking further actions to close the agency. The ruling, made by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang in Maryland, found that their actions likely violated the U.S. Constitution. The decision followed a lawsuit filed by current and former USAID employees who had been impacted by the shutdown of the agency's operations, which included freezing payments and placing employees on leave.

Judge Chuang ordered Musk, a key advisor to President Donald Trump, and his associated organization, DOGE, to restore access to USAID's computer systems for its employees. The ruling emphasized that Musk’s involvement in the agency, as an advisor to Trump, overstepped constitutional bounds, as he exercised direct control over the agency. While Musk and DOGE claimed their role was purely advisory, the judge disagreed, stating that they had effectively taken charge of USAID, undermining its operations.

This case is part of a series of lawsuits aimed at halting the dismantling of USAID, which has been a critical institution in providing U.S. humanitarian aid worldwide. While the judge did not block the termination of contracts and personnel, which has led to significant disruptions in global aid efforts, he called for an immediate restoration of the employees' access to systems and the protection of sensitive data.

Trump has expressed plans to appeal the decision, criticizing what he called “rogue judges” who are undermining the country's efforts. Meanwhile, ongoing legal battles continue over the freeze of payments to contractors and other issues related to the agency's restructuring.

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