Judge Rules Musk And Doge Likely Overstepped Constitutional Boundaries

A federal judge has issued a landmark ruling, asserting that Elon Musk and the White Houses Department of Government Efficiency DOGE likely breached the US Constitution in their efforts to dismantle the US Agency for International Development USAID .

The ruling came in favour of over two dozen current and former USAID employees and contractors who had filed a lawsuit challenging the abrupt shutdown orchestrated by Elon Musk and DOGE.

US District Judge Theodore Chuang's decision highlighted the apparent violation of the Appointments Clause and separation of powers, calling into question the authority of Musk - who serves as a senior adviser to President Trump - and DOGE in making significant government decisions without formal appointments.

This preliminary injunction temporarily halts the actions taken by Musk and the task force, ordering them to restore access to USAID's systems, halt further shutdown activities, and refrain from any moves that could legally dismantle the agency.

CBS has reported that the judge's ruling emphasises concerns over the concentration of power within an unelected task force led by Musk, whose role has stirred confusion and controversy. Despite his influence, the Trump administration has maintained that Musk's authority is advisory, not executive.