A federal judge has ruled that former President Donald Trump acted legally when he removed board members from the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and cut back the agency’s operations.
U.S. District Judge Richard Leon issued the decision on Tuesday, June 10th, dismissing a lawsuit filed by former board member Ward Brehm. The court found that Trump had the authority to eliminate most of the board under a February 2025 executive order aimed at downsizing several independent agencies.
The administration emailed termination notices to board members, but due to clerical errors, some emails were misdelivered. Believing they were still active, remaining board members appointed Brehm as president weeks later. By then, Trump had already named Pete Marocco as acting chair.
Judge Leon ruled the dismissals were valid despite the email issues. He said the president has wide authority to manage independent agencies and that any actions taken by the former board — including Brehm’s appointment — had no legal standing.
The USADF, created by Congress in 1980, funds development projects in Africa. It received $46 million in 2023 for programs in 22 countries. Critics say the cuts weaken U.S. influence abroad. Trump defended the move as part of his “America First” approach to reduce foreign aid.
A separate lawsuit is ongoing. It challenges Marocco’s appointment, arguing it bypassed Senate confirmation. That case may further define limits on presidential control over federal agencies.
