U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang, who was appointed by former president Barack Obama, ordered the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all employees of USAID, including those who were placed on administrative leave.
The lawsuit singled out Musk as a defendant covered by the preliminary injunction, arguing that he was wielding power the Constitution reserves only for those who win elections or are confirmed by the Senate.
The order comes in a lawsuit filed by attorneys for USAID employees and contractors.
Chuang said the evidence suggests that Musk made decisions to shut down USAID’s headquarters and website despite the administration’s claim that he was merely President Donald Trump's advisor. Musk’s public statements and social media posts demonstrate that he has “firm control over DOGE,” the judge concluded.
However, it was President Trump himself on Inauguration Day who issued the executive order directing a freeze of foreign assistance funding and a review of all U.S. aid and development work abroad. Trump charged that much of foreign assistance was wasteful and advanced a liberal agenda.
