A federal judge has ruled that billionaire Elon Musk’s effort to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID) likely violates the Constitution, as he indefinitely barred the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from making further cuts to the agency.

In his ruling on Tuesday, US District Judge Theodore Chuang found that DOGE, which was established under the Trump administration and is reportedly overseen by Musk, had significantly impaired USAID’s ability to carry out its mandated functions.

The judge’s order requires the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all USAID employees, including those placed on administrative leave, though it stops short of reversing terminations or fully reinstating the agency.

The lawsuit, brought by USAID employees and contractors, challenges the legal authority of Musk and DOGE, arguing that their actions breach constitutional limits on executive power.

Judge Chuang appeared to agree, stating that USAID had been “effectively eliminated” in violation of congressional authority.

The case marks one of the first legal challenges directly implicating Musk, who has been at the center of DOGE’s restructuring efforts.

The judge cited Musk’s public statements, including a social media post in which he claimed to have “fed USAID into the wood chipper,” as evidence of his direct control over the agency’s dismantling.

Sweeping cuts and controversy

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has pushed to significantly reduce foreign aid spending, issuing an executive order on Inauguration Day freezing foreign assistance funds and mandating a review of USAID’s operations.

DOGE, with Musk playing a key role, has moved aggressively to shutter the six-decade-old agency, cutting nearly 83% of its program contracts and placing top security officials on leave after they attempted to block DOGE personnel from accessing sensitive USAID documents.

The administration has justified these actions as part of an effort to eliminate waste and root out inefficiencies, in line with Trump’s 2024 campaign pledge.

However, critics, including Democratic lawmakers and international aid organizations, have argued that such actions exceed presidential authority and disregard congressional funding decisions.

“The funding freeze and program cuts are already having life-or-death consequences for millions around the world,” said Abby Maxman, chief executive of Oxfam America. She called for full reinstatement of USAID’s funding and staff.

Legal and political fallout

The lawsuit, filed by the State Democracy Defenders Fund, contends that Musk and DOGE have exercised powers reserved for officials who are elected or confirmed by the Senate. The court ruling marks a significant setback for the administration, with legal experts saying it reinforces Congress’s authority over federal agencies.

Judge Chuang noted that the rapid dismantling of USAID had likely harmed public interest by depriving lawmakers of their constitutional role in determining the agency’s fate. The decision also cited concerns over the Appointments Clause, which mandates Senate confirmation for key government positions—something Musk has never undergone.

Norm Eisen, executive chair of the nonprofit that filed the lawsuit, hailed the ruling as a critical step in challenging the administration’s approach. “They are performing surgery with a chainsaw instead of a scalpel, harming not just the people USAID serves but the majority of Americans who count on the stability of our government,” he said.