Politics
DOGE’s Growing Influence—Now Overseeing USAID?
Clear Facts
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has appointed a senior official from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to a key position within USAID.
- U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang has blocked DOGE from making further cuts to USAID, citing constitutional concerns.
- Elon Musk publicly expressed his desire for USAID to be dismantled.
In a significant shift in the management of USAID, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) increased influence by appointing a senior DOGE official to a pivotal role. Jeremy Lewin, a senior official from DOGE, will now serve as the Chief Operating Officer, replacing Trump-appointed Deputy Director Pete Marocco.
In an email to department staff, Marocco announced that Lewin would assume the role “effective immediately.”
This decision aligns with the broader strategy of the State Department to synchronize U.S. government foreign assistance with presidential priorities. Tammy Bruce, spokeswoman for the State Department, emphasized the importance of this realignment, stating that it plays “an indispensable role in aligning all U.S. government foreign assistance with the president’s priorities.”
Meanwhile, Elon Musk, known for his outspoken views, took to social media to express his opinion on USAID, declaring, “Time for it to die.”
However, this management change comes amidst legal challenges. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang of Maryland has indefinitely blocked DOGE from implementing further reductions to USAID. The judge’s ruling was a response to a lawsuit filed by former USAID employees and contractors, who argued that Musk and DOGE were exercising powers reserved for elected officials or Senate-confirmed appointees.
The legal counsel for the plaintiffs noted that the ruling “effectively halts or reverses” many of the actions taken by DOGE to dismantle USAID. This decision underscores the ongoing debate over the constitutional authority of DOGE and its role in reshaping U.S. foreign assistance programs.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Kevin Cossentine
March 21, 2025 at 7:53 am
What right does a U.S. District Judge have to decide how the government delegates its funds to whomever? Disgruntled former employees are whining and this judge is most likely paid off or heavily influenced by the Liberal Marxist Democratic fruitcakes to the point maybe they have a stake in continuing the excessive doling out of USAID funds. Since DOGE was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, a sitting president should be the one to decide who heads this department, whether certain overseas funds should be withheld or continue, or for the department to be dissolved… not some district judge.
Maxx
March 21, 2025 at 1:39 pm
I would like to know when the joke of a Supreme Court is going to step in to clarify to all lower courts thier realm of authority. I don’t believe any judge has the authority to interfere with the Executive Branch leader who received his authority from the American voters on Nov 5, 2024. When did members of the Judicial Branch receive any authority with regard to anything that does not involve existing laws. Policy issues are completely the responsibility of the Executive Branch. These rogue activist judges are simply trying to hinder the president for doing what the people who voted him into office want him to do. This is nothing but a continuation of “lawfare”. The totally unbusy SCOTUS needs to get off it’s ass.
D. Elwood
March 21, 2025 at 7:58 pm
I’m afraid that we have a few RINOs posing as conservatives on the supreme court.