A Washington, D.C. federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s removal of board members at the African Development Foundation (ADF) and affirmed his authority to appoint new leadership. The court ruled the plaintiff, former board member Ward Brehm, “never lawfully held the position” he claimed, granting summary judgment to the administration.
In late February, ADF staff locked doors to block Trump’s appointees from entering their offices. U.S. Marshals later enforced access for Trump-nominated leader Pete Marocco. The court emphasized that unless Congress explicitly limits removal power, “the President may remove anyone he appoints”.
Internal Daily Wire findings show ADF allegedly rerouted grant money from African recipients back to U.S. bureaucrats and their affiliates. Some funds reportedly went into personal accounts and D.C.-based nonprofits unrelated to intended projects.
The ruling strengthens Trump’s position in broader efforts to overhaul foreign aid bureaucracies. Conservative leaders see it as validation of aggressive reforms under the “America First” doctrine—cutting waste and redirecting resources to American oversight. Critics warn weakening foreign aid infrastructure may damage global security, but supporters argue current systems lack constitutional oversight.
Trump’s executive action aligns with broader dismantling of agencies viewed as corrupt or mismanaged. The decision paves the way for aggressive leadership overhaul and signals Trump’s intent to challenge entrenched federal institutions in pursuit of transparency and accountability.
