A federal judge has mandated that Elon Musk, the former head of the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), must undergo depositions alongside senior State Department officials. This ruling concerns their controversial involvement in the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), one of the globe's most significant humanitarian programmes.
Legal Ruling Demands Testimony on Decision-Making
District Judge Theodore Chuang issued the order on Tuesday, stating there was "no alternative" but to require Musk and other officials to provide sworn oral testimony. This decision stems from a lawsuit filed by anonymous former USAID employees, who allege that Musk proceeded with the agency's closure despite lacking formal authority or official approval.
Judge Chuang emphasised that "extraordinary circumstances justify the depositions," particularly due to plaintiffs' claims that Musk made decisions "at times when he lacked the authority to do so and at times when there was no duly authorised official who approved or ratified the decisions."
Background of the USAID Closure
Following Donald Trump's 2024 election victory, Musk was appointed to lead DOGE with a directive to advise on restructuring federal departments and eliminating perceived bureaucratic waste. Trump proclaimed that Musk and venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy would "pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies."
This led to the rapid closure of USAID in July 2025, with DOGE shuttering at least 80 percent of its programmes and absorbing remaining activities into the State Department. Established in 1961 under President John F. Kennedy, USAID was a 63-year-old institution with a workforce of 10,000, managing approximately $43 billion in congressional appropriations and assisting around 130 countries with disaster relief and economic development in 2023 alone.
Controversial Statements and Global Criticism
Musk previously described USAID as a "criminal organization" and a "radical-left political psy op," sparking widespread condemnation. The closure drew sharp criticism globally, including from former Presidents Barack Obama, who labelled it "a travesty and a tragedy," and George W. Bush, who highlighted USAID's pivotal role in reducing HIV and AIDS-related deaths.
Senator Amy Klobuchar condemned the move as "reckless and dangerous," arguing that "shutting down USAID is not about efficiency—it’s about undermining America’s global leadership. USAID counters extremism, fights diseases, and creates more markets for U.S. exports."
Humanitarian Impact and Expert Warnings
Experts have warned that the dissolution of USAID could have devastating consequences. The agency was credited with saving 91 million lives, including 30 million children, over the past two decades. According to a study published in the Lancet medical journal, the resulting aid cuts could lead to more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030.
The ruling represents a significant victory for the former USAID employees pursuing legal action against Musk, DOGE, and State Department officials. As the case progresses, the depositions will seek to uncover the precise decision-making processes behind the closure of this vital humanitarian programme.
