The Trump administration just scored a significant victory in its battle to streamline government agencies and cut wasteful spending. A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of allowing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to continue its operations within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), despite fierce opposition.
At a glance:
• A federal appeals court has granted the Trump administration’s motion to continue DOGE operations at USAID
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the State Department will take over essential USAID functions
• USAID’s $40 billion annual budget had been criticized for supporting left-wing initiatives with minimal returns
• The court ruled that Elon Musk was acting as an adviser to President Trump, not as the DOGE administrator
• The decision overturns a previous ruling by Maryland Judge Theodore Chuang who had attempted to block DOGE’s efforts
Court Delivers Major Win for Trump’s Government Efficiency Efforts
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has delivered a significant victory to the Trump administration by allowing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to continue its cost-cutting mission at USAID. The three-judge panel found that the administration “made a strong showing that they are likely to succeed on the merits of the appeal” and that halting DOGE’s work would cause irreparable harm.
This ruling effectively overturns a lower court decision by U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang, who had previously attempted to block DOGE’s efforts. Circuit Judge Marvin Quattlebaum notably stated in the ruling that “while defendants’ role and actions related to USAID are not conventional, unconventional does not necessarily equal unconstitutional.”
Appeals court rules DOGE can continue operating at USAID in another win for Trump administration https://t.co/Y5auchb1tJ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 29, 2025
State Department Takes Control as USAID Faces Major Restructuring
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department would be taking over many of USAID’s functions following the court victory. The move comes after years of criticism that the agency, which had an annual budget of approximately $40 billion, had strayed far from its original mission.
“Foreign assistance done right can advance our national interests, protect our borders, and strengthen our partnerships with key allies. Unfortunately, USAID strayed from its original mission long ago. As a result, the gains were too few and the costs were too high,” Secretary Rubio stated.
The State Department memo indicated that while some USAID employees might be rehired for essential aid programs, all non-statutory positions would be eliminated. This restructuring aims to enhance efficiency, accountability, and strategic impact in foreign assistance while aligning programs directly with administration priorities.
Legal Battle Highlights Musk’s Advisory Role in Government Efficiency
The lawsuit against the administration was brought by 26 current and former USAID employees or contractors who alleged violations of the Constitution’s appointments clause. They specifically claimed that Elon Musk was wielding significant government power without being elected or Senate approved.
The appeals court rejected this argument, ruling that Musk was acting as a Senior Adviser to President Trump, not as the DOGE administrator. The Fourth Circuit determined that despite Musk’s colorful social media posts about the agency, the actual decisions were ultimately approved by properly appointed government officials.
According to the court ruling, claims of constitutional violations should be directed at the administration itself, not DOGE. The judges further stated that the stay on Judge Chuang’s original ruling “favors the public interest” in allowing the government to function efficiently.
