A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from placing 2,200 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on leave at midnight. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, appointed by Trump, ruled late Friday that the employees should not be removed from their posts as planned, especially in light of the significant harm it would cause to their professional and personal circumstances.
The decision comes after a lawsuit filed by two foreign service unions, accusing the Trump administration of unlawful actions aimed at dismantling USAID without congressional approval. The plaintiffs argue that these moves have caused irreparable harm to employees, grantees, contractors, and U.S. foreign aid efforts worldwide. The judge’s order specifically reinstates about 500 USAID workers who had already been placed on leave and prohibits any further evacuations from foreign posts until February 14, 2025.
At a Friday afternoon hearing, Judge Nichols emphasized the importance of protecting the employee-employer relationship, noting that the plaintiffs had demonstrated significant harm from the administration’s actions. He referred to the accelerated removal of USAID workers and its potential to disrupt critical international aid operations.
The Trump administration has faced legal challenges over its attempt to significantly reduce the agency’s workforce, arguing that USAID’s operations were marred by corruption and fraud. Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate asserted that the President had the authority to make such decisions based on his view of foreign affairs and taxpayer interests.
However, the lawsuit claims the administration’s actions were unconstitutional and illegal, as they were undertaken without Congressional authorization. The plaintiffs contend that these decisions are jeopardizing U.S. national security, public health, and humanitarian efforts abroad, as USAID’s work in alleviating poverty, disease, and international crises has been abruptly halted.
The case continues to unfold in Washington, with the plaintiffs seeking a court order to halt the dismantling of USAID until Congress has authorized such measures. The outcome of this legal battle may have far-reaching implications for the Trump administration’s ability to restructure federal agencies without legislative consent.
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