A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration from shutting down the US Agency for International Development, USAID ruling that the move likely violates the US Constitution.

Judge Theodore Chuang issued the decision on Tuesday, ordering the Department for Government Efficiency, Doge, to restore access to USAID’s computer and payment systems. The court also barred further terminations of USAID employees but did not reinstate those already placed on leave.

The case was brought by 26 USAID employees who argued that Elon Musk, a Trump ally leading Doge, was dismantling government agencies without proper authority. The lawsuit described the administration’s actions as “reckless” and unconstitutional, challenging Musk’s role in overseeing agency cuts despite lacking Senate confirmation.

Trump’s administration targeted USAID shortly after his return to office in January, imposing a 90-day freeze on foreign aid. Officials said the agency’s operations were severely affected, with more than 80% of its activities halted.

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Musk and Doge defended their actions in court, insisting Musk’s role was purely advisory. However, Judge Chuang found that their control over USAID had real consequences, stating that their actions harmed both employees and the public interest.

The White House strongly opposed the ruling, calling it a “miscarriage of justice.” Spokesperson Anna Kelly accused the judiciary of obstructing Trump’s agenda and confirmed plans to appeal the decision.

Norm Eisen, who represented the USAID employees, welcomed the ruling as a crucial step in stopping what he described as an illegal effort to dismantle the government. He argued that Doge’s actions endangered not just USAID but also broader US stability.

The decision marks another legal blow for the Trump administration. A day earlier, a separate federal judge halted the deportation of Venezuelan nationals, a ruling that led Trump to call for the judge’s impeachment. The statement drew rare criticism from the chief justice of the US Supreme Court.

Crediblenewsng.com