Federal Judge Stops DOGE and Musk from Dismantling USAID

On March 18, 2025, Judge Theodore Chiang of the U.S. District Court of Maryland entered a preliminary injunction to halt DOGE’s attempts to break up USAID. The court found that the DOGE’s attempts to shut down USAID likely violated the U.S. Constitution in multiple ways. Specifically, the court found that Musk had potentially violated the Constituion’s Appointments Clause by acting as an Officer of the government without a formal appointment. Additionally, the court found that in trying to eliminate USAID without Congressional authorization, Musk and DOGE had violated the Constitution’s Separation of Power principle.

The court’s order directs DOGE to “not take any action, or engage in any work relating to the shutdown USAID.”  This includes placing employees on administrative leave, reductions-in-force, termination of  USAID contracts and grants, and closure of USAID buildings. The order also states that DOGE and Musk shall not take any actions relating to USAID without the express authorization of a USAID official.

The order does not direct the government to reconstitute USAID into its pre-Trump condition, but it does halt any attempt to eliminate the agency. This injunction will be in effect indefinitely until the court enters a final judgment in the suit against Musk and DOGE. At that time, the court will either dissolve the preliminary injunction or make the preliminary injunction permanent.

Read the memorandum opinion here

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