Related videos:
A federal judge in the United States ruled on Tuesday that Elon Musk's attempt to unilaterally dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) likely violated the Constitution, ordering the immediate restoration of employee access to electronic systems and the suspension of the closure process.
The District Court Judge, Theodore Chuang, issued a ruling stating that Musk's and the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) decision "usurped the authority of Congress," which is the only body with the power to eliminate federal agencies.
In addition to restoring access to communication and payment systems, Chuang ordered that a written agreement be presented within two weeks to ensure that USAID can reoccupy its headquarters in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
USAID was one of the first agencies affected by the cuts from the Trump administration, experiencing massive layoffs and the elimination of 80% of its programs.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, announced on March 10 the cancellation of 83% of USAID programs, which involved the termination of 5,200 contracts.
Rubio justified this decision by arguing that "tens of billions of dollars" had been spent on initiatives that were ineffective or even harmful to the fundamental national interests of the United States
However, critics warn that dismantling the agency would weaken the global influence of the U.S. and impact vulnerable populations that rely on humanitarian aid.
The budget cuts from USAID have also had repercussions for international organizations and independent media, especially in Cuba, where the suspension of grants has forced outlets like Diario de Cuba and Cubanet to seek alternative funding.
The director of Diario de Cuba, Pablo Díaz, has requested support from his readers to sustain his journalistic work in light of funding cuts. "Journalism requires resources, especially in a country like ours," he stated.
For her part, Cuban activist Laritza Diversent from Cubalex warned that without USAID funding, monitoring human rights violations in Cuba will be more challenging, although she assured that her team will continue working with the resources available.
The ruling represents a setback for the Trump administration and for Musk, who also received a strong response from the Chief Justice of the United States, John Roberts, regarding Trump's escalating rhetoric against the federal judiciary.
Frequently Asked Questions about the USAID Closing Blockade and the Access Restoration Order
Why did a federal judge block the closure of USAID?
A federal judge blocked the closure of USAID because he found that Elon Musk's attempt to dismantle the agency violated the Constitution of the United States. Judge Theodore Chuang ruled that Musk's and the Department of Government Efficiency's decision "usurped the authority of Congress," which is the only body with the power to eliminate federal agencies.
What implications does the court ruling have for USAID?
The court ruling implies that immediate access to electronic systems for USAID employees must be restored and the agency's closure process halted. Additionally, a written agreement has been ordered so that USAID can reoccupy its headquarters in Washington, D.C.
How does the reduction of USAID funding affect independent media in Cuba?
The budget cuts from USAID significantly impact independent media in Cuba, such as Diario de Cuba and CubaNet, which relied on these grants to finance their operations. Without this funding, these outlets face challenges in continuing their journalistic work, which may limit coverage of human rights violations on the island.
What role does Elon Musk play in the restructuring of USAID?
Elon Musk, as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, has supported the restructuring of USAID, labeling it a "criminal organization" and advocating for its closure. Musk has been involved in plans to dismantle the agency as part of a public spending cut strategy driven by the Trump administration.
Filed under:
