A federal judge has mandated the government to restore the systems of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), determining that the swift closure of the agency, overseen by Elon Musk, likely breached the U.S. Constitution in several aspects. Judge Theodore D. Chuang instructed Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to reinstate access to various electronic systems, including email and security notifications, for all USAID staff and contractors. The department must confirm compliance with the court within a week.
The judge also required that within two weeks, a written agreement be secured and submitted to ensure USAID can return to its original headquarters if the final ruling favors the plaintiffs. Furthermore, the Department of Government Efficiency and Musk are prohibited from making any decisions about USAID without authorization from a legally empowered USAID official. Chuang noted that the department and Musk seemed to have driven the hasty shutdown of USAID without proper approval.
Former President Trump criticized the decision in a television interview, stating his administration would challenge it. Musk responded to criticism on social media, suggesting the ruling was politically biased.
The order also prevents the termination of employees, placing them on leave, closing USAID facilities, or ending service contracts. Musk, a tech mogul and advisor to Trump, was appointed to lead the Department of Government Efficiency after Trump's inauguration. Shortly after, Musk announced plans to dismantle USAID, leading to employees being placed on leave and halting projects globally, stranding some government workers abroad.
Nick Enrich, a former USAID official, warned in a memo that the decision could lead to "preventable deaths," as essential humanitarian aid projects were abruptly terminated. Enrich was placed on leave soon after issuing the memo.
Additionally, 22 former national security officials submitted a brief in another court case, emphasizing the national interest benefits of USAID funding. They argued that canceling contracts undermines American credibility and allows other nations like China and Russia to fill the void left by the U.S.