In a landmark ruling, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland has issued a preliminary injunction against Elon Musk, in his official capacity, along with the United States DOGE Service and the Department of Government Efficiency. The order, filed today by Judge Theodore D. Chuang, temporarily restrains the defendants from taking any action that could affect the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and mandates several corrective actions.
Case Background
The case, J. Does 1-26 v. Elon Musk, United States DOGE Service, and the Department of Government Efficiency, revolves around allegations that Musk and his affiliated government entities mishandled sensitive USAID information and engaged in actions that jeopardized the functioning of the agency. Plaintiffs, a group of anonymous whistleblowers, argued that Musk’s administration had improperly interfered with USAID’s operations, potentially leading to the misuse of confidential personnel information and the shutdown of critical USAID systems.
The complaint alleges that since Musk’s involvement in overseeing DOGE Service operations under Executive Order 14,158, several violations occurred, including unauthorized disclosures of Personally Identifiable Information (PII), contract terminations, and disruptions to USAID’s operations.
Key Points of the Court’s Order
The court’s preliminary injunction explicitly:
1. Reinstates Access and Restores Systems:
Defendants are required to reinstate access to email, payment, security notification, and other electronic systems for all USAID employees and personal service contractors (PSCs), including restoring deleted emails. Written confirmation of compliance is required within 7 days of the order.
2. Restricts Disclosure of Sensitive Information:
Defendants are prohibited from disclosing any PII or security-related information about current or former USAID employees or PSCs.
3. Bars Actions Leading to Shutdown of USAID:
Any action leading to the shutdown of USAID operations, including employee terminations, administrative leave, contract terminations, or deletions of digital records, is strictly prohibited.
4. Prohibits Unauthorized Decisions on USAID Matters:
Defendants may not engage in any USAID-related action without authorization from a qualified USAID official.
5. Mandates Agreement for Reoccupying Headquarters:
Within 14 days, defendants must secure a written agreement ensuring that USAID can reoccupy its headquarters at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., if the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs.
Impacts on Elon Musk and DOGE Service
The court’s decision imposes significant restrictions on Elon Musk’s authority over USAID-related matters. It limits DOGE Service’s ability to make unilateral decisions affecting USAID operations and prevents further disclosure of sensitive information. This ruling could severely impact Musk’s ambitious plans to streamline government efficiency through DOGE Service, as any unauthorized actions may lead to contempt of court charges.
Additionally, the injunction puts a hold on potential terminations and changes that could have destabilized USAID operations, effectively reversing any administrative actions Musk’s team had implemented since January 20, 2025.
Next Steps
The court has ordered the plaintiffs to post a $100 bond as required under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(c). The preliminary injunction will take effect immediately upon the bond’s posting. Violations of the order could lead to contempt of court and further legal repercussions for Musk and other defendants.
This ruling is expected to have widespread implications, not only for Musk’s involvement in government operations but also for the future of DOGE Service and its broader mission.
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