Ruling Restores Legal Control Over the Agency While Case Proceeds

Washington, D.C. — A federal court today granted a preliminary injunction in Rural Development Innovations Ltd. v. Marocco, halting the Trump-Vance administration’s unlawful attempt to dismantle the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF)—a congressionally established agency that funds grassroots development initiatives across Africa.

The court’s decision restores legal control over USADF and bars Pete Marocco, who was unlawfully installed by the administration, from continuing to serve as “Acting” Chair or President of the agency. Efforts to permanently block this unlawful takeover continue as the case proceeds.

“This is a victory for the rule of law and the communities that rely on USADF’s vital work,” said Joel McElvain, Senior Legal Advisor at Democracy Forward. “No president can erase a federal agency, ignore Congress, and upend lives without legal authority. We will continue fighting against these power grabs to protect USADF’s ability to fulfill the mission that Congress gave it to perform.”

The injunction comes in response to Marocco’s unilateral actions, including trying to dissolve the USADF workforce, halt its programs, and cancel its grants—moves that would have effectively shuttered the agency.

Democracy Forward represents Rural Development Innovations Ltd. and two longtime USADF employees in the suit, which challenges the administration’s illegal seizure of the agency.

In addition to McElvain, the team at Democracy Forward on this case includes Bradley Girard and Robin F. Thurston.

Read the court’s ruling here and the complaint and motion for preliminary injunction here. 

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Democracy Forward Foundation is a national legal organization that advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy, public education, and regulatory engagement. For more information, please visit www.democracyforward.org.