Appeals Court Grants Temporary Stay on Ruling Against Trump Administration's USAID Shutdown

The Fourth Circuit's decision allows the administration to delay compliance with a lower court's injunction while the legal battle over the Department of Government Efficiency continues.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay on Judge Theodore Chuang's ruling that found the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) likely acted unconstitutionally in dismantling USAID.
The stay, effective until March 27, pauses the requirement to restore USAID systems and lift restrictions on employees, including Jeremy Lewin's appointment as Chief Operating Officer.
Judge Chuang's March 18 ruling cited violations of the Appointments Clause and separation of powers, asserting that Congress alone holds the authority to abolish federal agencies like USAID.
The Trump administration argues that DOGE's actions fall under the president's broad discretion over foreign policy and that Elon Musk's role as DOGE head is purely advisory, not requiring Senate confirmation.
The case reflects broader tensions over executive authority, with ongoing legal challenges to the administration's restructuring efforts and implications for U.S. global influence.