U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang has sided with former employees of the United States Agency for International Development USAID, ordering their reinstatement and restricting further actions against the agency by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The decision follows a legal battle that erupted after DOGE, early in the Trump administration, moved to eliminate USAID, slashing budgets and firing workers.
Background: USAID’s Abrupt Closure
The controversy began when Musk’s DOGE swiftly dismantled USAID, a congressionally approved agency responsible for foreign aid and international development programs.
The move led to the termination of employees and the abrupt shutdown of agency operations. This decision was met with strong opposition, prompting legal action from a group of 26 former USAID workers who argued that the closure was unconstitutional.
BREAKING: U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang, who was appointed by Obama, just ORDERED Elon Musk and DOGE to restore nearly all of USAID’s operations. pic.twitter.com/4t4H7tTnu4
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) March 18, 2025
On Tuesday, after a lengthy court battle, Judge Chuang ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, ordering their reinstatement and placing legal restrictions on DOGE’s authority over USAID.
Court Ruling: Musk Likely Violated the Constitution
Judge Chuang’s