A federal judge in Maryland has cast doubt on the Trump administration’s claims that Elon Musk has no formal role in a government task force responsible for mass firings and policy changes at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
Key Issue:
- Judge Theodore D. Chuang questioned why the government could not identify who was leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) before the recent appointment of Amy Gleason as acting administrator.
- Justice Department attorneys insist Musk has no official position, despite his direct involvement in major decisions.
Chuang’s response:
“It seems factually inaccurate to keep insisting Musk has no role when his directives are clearly being implemented.”
Musk’s Influence Over USAID & Government Restructuring
Musk’s Involvement Includes:
- Emails directing federal employees to report their weekly accomplishments.
- Orders to shut down USAID programs and terminate contracts.
- Accessing sensitive agency data despite lacking a formal appointment.
Norm Eisen, attorney for the plaintiffs, argued:
“Musk is operating as one of the most powerful figures in U.S. history without any legal appointment.”
The USAID Lawsuit & Constitutional Challenges
Who Filed the Lawsuit?
- 26 current and former USAID employees & contractors
- Alleging that Musk’s de facto authority is unconstitutional under the Appointments Clause.
What’s Happening to USAID?
- Hundreds of employees fired
- 90% of the agency’s work eliminated
- Termination of thousands of contracts and grants
Plaintiffs argue this is a “grave violation of separation of powers.”
Trump Administration’s Defense
Justice Department lawyer Joshua Gardner claims:
- The USAID downsizing is a “reorganization,” not an elimination.
- The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is working within legal boundaries.
- Musk is not an official government employee or appointee.
Chuang’s skeptical response:
“The wood chipper isn’t usually reorganization,” referencing Musk’s social media post about “feeding USAID into the wood chipper.”
Legal Battles Ongoing:
- Plaintiffs requested a court order to prevent DOGE from accessing USAID systems & data.
- Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary administrative stay on USAID funding cuts.
- Further court rulings expected in the coming days.
Eisen warns:
“This is a made-up position leading a made-up superagency, and it’s unconstitutional.”
