Shutting Down USADF Would Harm Critical Work that Boosts Economic Development and Reduces Global Conflict 

Washington, DC — Tonight, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order temporarily blocking Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE)’s attempt to access the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) and remove its President Ward Brehm. The ruling came in response to a legal challenge filed by Democracy Forward earlier today on behalf of Brehm.  

The suit alleges this attempt violates the Appointments Clause and African Development Foundation Act. 

“Democracy Forward will continue to meet the Trump administration in court with every unlawful step it takes. This ruling is a sigh of relief for people in the United States and across the globe who benefit from the safer and more resilient communities USADF’s work creates,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “We will continue to use every tool available to protect USADF and fight back against the Trump-Musk overreach.” 

The original complaint is available here. 

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Democracy Forward 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.