Federal Standoff at U.S. African Development Foundation Leads to Lawsuit

Trump administration officials' attempt to take control of the agency escalates into a legal battle over authority and foreign aid policy.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), backed by federal marshals, entered the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) headquarters after being barred access the previous day.
USADF President Ward Brehm filed a lawsuit contesting his removal and the Trump administration's authority to install Peter Marocco as acting head of the agency.
The lawsuit argues that the Trump administration's actions violate the African Development Foundation Act and the appointments clause, asserting that only the Senate-approved board can make leadership changes.
The standoff follows a February 21 executive order by President Trump targeting the elimination of foreign aid agencies, including USADF, as part of broader cost-cutting measures.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked leadership changes at USADF until a court hearing scheduled for next week.