A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to suspend 2,200 employees from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) without pay.

Judge Carl Nichols announced on February 7 that he would issue a limited, temporary order to prevent the government from enforcing the unpaid leave directive. He also indicated he would review whether 500 USAID employees who were already suspended should be reinstated.

Unions Warn of "Irreparable Harm"

Judge Nichols stated that government employee unions, including the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, had successfully argued that suspending USAID workers would cause "irreparable harm" to employees. He also noted that the government would not suffer any significant damage from the delay.

Without court intervention, the 2,200 USAID employees were set to be placed on unpaid leave starting the night of February 7, according to government officials. Only 600 "essential" personnel would remain at USAID, and the administration has no plans to cut that group.

Legal Challenge to USAID Cuts

Attorney Karla Gilbride, representing the unions, argued that the administration's plan to slash USAID’s workforce and close its offices exceeds executive authority and violates the constitutional separation of powers.

The unions had also requested that Judge Nichols order the reopening of USAID offices and restore the agency’s funding, but he appeared hesitant to rule in their favor on that request.

Trump Doubles Down on USAID Criticism

Despite the legal challenge, President Donald Trump doubled down on his opposition to USAID, calling the agency "corrupt and wasteful" and insisting that it should be shut down immediately.

Founded in 1961, USAID operates with an annual budget of nearly $43 billion, primarily funding humanitarian aid and development programs worldwide. The agency provides disaster relief, healthcare, food assistance, and economic support to over 100 countries.

The Trump administration has targeted USAID as part of a broader effort to reduce government spending and cut foreign aid programs, with billionaire Elon Musk, head of the Office of Government Efficiency (DOGE), reportedly supporting the downsizing initiative.

(Sources: Reuters, CBS)

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