Fourth Circuit Temporarily Halts Federal Judge’s Order Against DOGE and Elon Musk in USAID Shutdown Dispute
On Tuesday, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals temporarily suspended a lower court ruling against the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, regarding the controversial closure of USAID.
This temporary halt follows a previous decision by Federal Judge Theodore Chuang, an Obama-appointed judge, who had ordered DOGE to fully reinstate USAID’s operations. The order argued that the Trump administration’s actions to rapidly dismantle USAID violated both the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the separation of powers.
Background of the Legal Battle Over USAID’s Closure
Shortly after President Trump began his second term, DOGE—under Elon Musk’s leadership—initiated aggressive cutbacks at USAID, laying off thousands of workers and closing numerous programs. The administration argued these actions were necessary to eliminate inefficiencies, but current and former USAID employees filed a lawsuit alleging constitutional violations, claiming Musk had exceeded his authority.
Judge Chuang agreed, stating in a detailed 68-page ruling that:
“The defendants’ actions taken to shut down USAID… likely violate the United States Constitution in multiple ways, and these actions harmed not only Plaintiffs but also the public interest because they deprived Congress of its constitutional authority to decide whether, when, and how to close an agency created by Congress.”
Chuang further barred DOGE official Jeremy Lewin from assuming a leadership role within USAID, insisting any actions related to the agency’s closure require approval from a duly appointed, Senate-confirmed official.
Fourth Circuit Steps In
However, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals intervened, granting an administrative stay until Thursday. This temporarily blocks Chuang’s order, effectively giving DOGE and Elon Musk additional time to respond.
Political Reactions and Calls for Impeachment
Congressman Andy Ogles criticized Judge Chuang sharply, labeling him a “career Democrat operative” obstructing President Trump’s administration and accused him of protecting excessive government spending. Rep. Ogles called for Congress to hold Judge Chuang accountable, even suggesting impeachment proceedings as a potential course of action.
Ogles publicly stated:
“Federal Judge Theodore Chuang—a career Democrat operative—is obstructing President Trump and protecting USAID’s reckless spending. Congress must hold him accountable.”
The legal dispute highlights increasing tensions between activist judges and the Trump administration, further intensifying debates over executive authority, judicial oversight, and governmental efficiency.
The Fourth Circuit is expected to provide further clarity by Thursday on whether DOGE’s actions can continue pending a more thorough review.
