Federal judge blocks efforts to remove Ward Brehm as CEO of US African Development Foundation
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's move to oust Ward Brehm, CEO of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), in a legal battle against the Department of Government Efficiency.
A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from removing Ward Brehm, the CEO and President of the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), marking a significant development in the ongoing battle between the independent agency and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This ruling comes as a temporary reprieve, pending further motions on a lawsuit filed Thursday against DOGE and a State Department official.
Judge Richard Leon, appointed by George W. Bush, issued a stay preventing the removal of Brehm until a formal hearing is held early next week. This decision gives USADF a brief period to fight against the administration’s actions to dismantle the agency.
USADF files lawsuit against DOGE and Peter Marocco
The USADF filed a lawsuit in federal district court against DOGE and State Department official Peter Marocco, claiming that the department violated the African Development Foundation Act, which established the independent agency. The lawsuit details how DOGE attempted to access the agency under the guise of modernizing its systems, but was blocked by USADF staff who refused to allow access to cancel grants and contracts.
DOGE attempts to take control of USADF
The Department of Government Efficiency, inspired by Elon Musk's approach, aims to dismantle USADF by installing Peter Marocco as the chair and sole member of its board of directors. According to the lawsuit, DOGE sought to cancel the foundation’s grants and cut its staff. These actions are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce foreign aid and eliminate government agencies it views as redundant.
The Department of Government Efficiency, inspired by Elon Musk's approach, aims to dismantle USADF by installing Peter Marocco as the chair and sole member of its board of directors. Photo: Politico
Marocco, who was appointed to lead the dismantling of USADF, attempted to gain access to the USADF building despite Brehm’s objections. Brehm sent a letter informing DOGE that Marocco’s visit would not be allowed without his presence, effectively blocking the department’s efforts. The Department of Justice later determined that Marocco had the right to enter, but the situation highlighted the tension between USADF and DOGE.
Trump Administration's push to eliminate USADF
The USADF is one of the smallest agencies in the federal government, with an annual budget of just $45 million. Despite its modest size, USADF plays a critical role in assisting economic development in Africa. Under a recent executive order, President Trump has moved to eliminate USADF and reduce its personnel to the minimum required by law, pushing the foundation to fight for its survival.
Ward Brehm has made it clear that for Marocco to lead the USADF board, he must first be appointed by the Senate. Brehm has also stated that Marocco’s presence at the foundation will not be allowed until he has been officially confirmed by Congress.
The USADF’s resistance is part of a larger effort to protect U.S. foreign assistance agencies, many of which were created by Congress and are now being targeted by the Trump administration’s efforts to cut foreign aid. The USADF's struggle is seen as a critical issue for the future of U.S. foreign assistance programs, particularly in Africa.