A landmark decision was made on March 19, 2025, when a US federal judge ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, to immediately halt its efforts to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The ruling, issued by Judge Theodore Chuang of the District of Maryland, is seen as a significant rebuke of the ambitious reshaping of the US government’s foreign aid agency spearheaded by Musk and his administration.

This court ruling comes after the Department of Government Efficiency began its controversial restructuring of USAID, an agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance worldwide. USAID has long been a key player in American diplomacy, particularly in promoting democratic values and economic development across the globe. However, under Musk’s leadership, DOGE has questioned the agency’s role and effectiveness in the current geopolitical landscape.

The decision by Judge Chuang stems from a case brought forward by State Democracy Defenders Action, a nonprofit organization representing USAID employees. The plaintiffs argued that Musk’s DOGE was engaged in unconstitutional actions by dismantling USAID without adequate legal oversight or regard for constitutional principles.

In his ruling, Judge Chuang addressed the concerns over the potential violation of the separation of powers doctrine, which underpins the US Constitution and ensures a clear distinction between the powers of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The judge opined that the dismantling process overseen by DOGE, which includes the removal of key personnel from their posts and the disruption of their access to essential work resources, was “likely” infringing on this fundamental constitutional principle.

The ruling not only halts the dismantling efforts but also demands........

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