News brief

USAID’s shuttering ruled unconstitutional. A federal judge ruled on March 18 that the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development likely violated the Constitution and blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency from further cuts to the agency. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ordered the Trump administration to restore email and computer access to all employees of USAID, including those who were placed on administrative leave. The lawsuit named Mr. Musk as a defendant covered by the preliminary injunction, and argues that he wielded power the Constitution reserves only for those who win elections or are confirmed by the Senate.

The Monitor's View: A refresh for foreign aid