A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to place 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave this week, calling the move a potential violation of federal authority. The ruling marks the latest twist in a contentious effort to restructure the agency, which oversees $72 billion in global humanitarian aid annually.
U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, paused the layoffs and halted relocations of overseas humanitarian workers during a hearing on a lawsuit filed by federal unions. His decision came hours after former President Trump accused USAID of “corruption and fraudulent spending” on Truth Social, doubling down on his January executive order freezing foreign aid to align with “America First” policies.
The administration had already placed 500 employees on paid leave and planned to retain just 611 “essential” workers from USAID’s 10,000-strong global workforce. Union lawyers argued the cuts overstepped executive authority, while a Justice Department representative claimed the restructuring addressed systemic issues. However, Judge Nichols declined to order the reopening of closed USAID offices or the restoration of frozen grants.
Elon Musk, tasked with leading the agency’s downsizing, faces mounting scrutiny as the overhaul disrupts programs providing clean water, HIV treatment, and emergency food aid worldwide. Experts warn the chaos could endanger lives in conflict zones, with U.S.-funded initiatives accounting for 42% of U.N.-tracked humanitarian aid in 2024.
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Judge blocks USAID layoffs as Trump moves to dismantle agency
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