In a recent development that underscores the ongoing battle between the judicial branch and the executive branch, Obama-appointed Judge Theodore Chuang issued a controversial ruling against DOGE and Elon Musk, claiming that their actions to shut down USAID violated the U.S. Constitution. This ruling, which spans 68 pages, alleges that DOGE’s decision to close USAID headquarters without the approval of a duly appointed USAID Officer likely violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause and the Separation of Powers.
The lawsuit was brought by current and former USAID workers, who argued that Elon Musk, not being Senate-confirmed, should not have the authority to issue orders within the executive branch. Judge Chuang’s ruling stated, “Defendants’ actions taken to shut down USAID on an accelerated basis, including its apparent decision to permanently close USAID headquarters without the approval of a duly appointed USAID Officer, likely violate the United States Constitution in multiple ways.”
However, this ruling has been met with significant pushback, particularly from supporters of President Donald Trump, who view this as yet another example of judicial overreach by liberal appointees. Judge Chuang’s decision to bar DOGE from any further actions related to USAID’s closure and his injunction against Jeremy Lewin, a DOGE official, from taking a leadership position at USAID, has been seen as an attempt to undermine the executive branch’s authority. In his order, Chuang wrote, “Defendants shall not take any other actions relating to USAID without the express authorization of a USAID official with legal authority to take or approve the action.”
Despite this judicial interference, DOGE and the Trump administration have demonstrated resilience. On the same day as Chuang’s ruling, a senior DOGE official, Pete Marocco, a Trump appointee in the State Department, took over USAID and will now have authority over the agency. This move was revealed in an email obtained by the Associated Press, showcasing the administration’s ability to navigate around obstructive rulings. The email, sent on the day of Chuang’s ruling, highlights the administration’s commitment to maintaining control over executive functions, despite attempts by liberal judges to curtail their authority.
This incident is emblematic of the broader struggle between the Trump administration and the liberal media, which often amplifies judicial rulings that align with their agenda while ignoring the administration’s efforts to uphold constitutional principles. The media’s portrayal of this event as a victory for the rule of law conveniently overlooks the fact that the judiciary, particularly judges appointed by previous administrations, has repeatedly attempted to overstep its bounds and interfere with executive decisions. President Trump’s administration has consistently worked to restore balance and ensure that the executive branch can operate without undue interference from activist judges.
😡😡😡THREAD: Starting fresh thread elaborating on horrifyingly abusive order just entered by a federal judge. Judge Chuang just clarified that he was enjoining Jeremy Lewin, individual Marco Rubio delegated authority to serve as Deputy Administrator and COO of USAID could not: pic.twitter.com/9Y2ihR7dHC
— Margot Cleveland (@ProfMJCleveland) March 21, 2025
The liberal media’s bias is evident in their coverage of this case, as they fail to acknowledge the administration’s legitimate concerns about the overreach of unelected judges. Instead, they frame the narrative in a way that undermines the President’s authority and portrays his administration as acting outside the law. This selective reporting is part of a larger pattern of media bias that has plagued the Trump presidency from the beginning. By focusing on the rulings of Obama-appointed judges like Chuang, the media seeks to delegitimize the administration’s efforts to streamline government operations and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies.
Trump has consistently championed the principles of limited government and executive authority, ensuring that the administration can effectively carry out its duties without being hamstrung by judicial activism. The administration’s ability to navigate around Chuang’s ruling by appointing a senior DOGE official to oversee USAID demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rule of law while resisting judicial overreach. This approach has been a hallmark of the Trump presidency, as he has worked tirelessly to restore the balance of power between the branches of government.