A federal appeals court has granted a stay that allows the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to continue its operations at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision comes after a federal judge in Maryland ruled that attempts to halt USAID’s functions were likely unconstitutional. The appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, issued the stay, temporarily blocking the judge’s order that prohibited DOGE from working with USAID and also barred biopharmaceutical executive Jeremy Levin from leading the agency.
The court’s ruling extends a stay that was originally put in place, allowing DOGE to operate while the appeal is being resolved. Last week, the district court had granted a preliminary injunction, stating that the actions taken against DOGE were likely in violation of the Constitution and that halting its operations was in the public interest. The appeals court found that Elon Musk and DOGE had a strong case for success on appeal and that they would suffer irreparable harm without the stay.
The controversy began when a group of 26 current and former USAID employees alleged that the Trump administration unlawfully canceled contracts and took other actions that violated the Constitution. They argued that Musk, acting as DOGE administrator, was not properly appointed, which infringed on Congress’s responsibilities. The administration countered that Musk is a senior advisor to the president and that the actions at USAID were authorized under executive orders.
The appeals court’s decision marks a significant moment for the Trump administration, as it represents a temporary victory in a legal battle surrounding the operations of DOGE at USAID. The judges emphasized that the stay aligns with public interest, suggesting that the administration’s arguments hold weight. As the situation unfolds, further developments are expected as the appeal continues.