A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s attempt to place thousands of USAID employees on leave. The decision follows growing concerns about the agency’s future and its ability to provide global humanitarian aid.
Court Stops USAID Workforce Cuts
On Friday, U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, ruled in favor of two federal employee associations, blocking the administration’s plan to place 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave. The ruling came after some forced suspensions had already begun, raising fears of a wider shutdown.
USAID, created by Congress in 1961, plays a key role in disaster relief, global health, and economic development. Lawyers representing employees argued that the executive branch does not have the power to dismantle the agency without congressional approval.
Earlier that day, Trump publicly called for USAID’s closure, claiming the agency wasted taxpayer money. At its Washington, D.C., headquarters, employees protested by covering the agency’s name on a sign with duct tape, removing a flag, and leaving flowers outside the entrance.
Officials Challenge Administration’s Justification
The Trump administration, with backing from billionaire Elon Musk, has targeted USAID as part of a broader effort to shrink the federal government. Musk leads the “Department of Government Efficiency,” a White House initiative aimed at cutting spending.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the move, stating that essential programs would continue under exemptions. However, USAID officials dispute that claim. One anonymous official said the agency had “effectively ceased to function” due to staffing reductions and frozen funding.
On Thursday, USAID informed staff that only 297 employees would be exempt from the furloughs affecting at least 8,000 workers and contractors. Later that night, that number increased to 611. These employees are responsible for managing displaced workers and maintaining critical operations.
Impact on Humanitarian Programs
USAID’s funding freeze is already affecting humanitarian aid efforts worldwide. Officials report that $450 million worth of U.S.-grown food, enough to feed 36 million people, is no longer being paid for or delivered.
The crisis is especially severe in Sudan’s Darfur region, where 1.6 million displaced people rely on USAID-funded water pumps. Without fuel, these pumps will stop working, leaving people without access to clean drinking water.
In addition, USAID funds numerous global health initiatives, including vaccination programs and HIV/AIDS treatment. The sudden workforce reduction could put millions of lives at risk.
What’s Next for USAID?
Trump and Musk have proposed transferring USAID’s remaining programs to the State Department. However, many inside the department worry that this move could lead to mass layoffs.
The administration has already offered financial incentives to federal workers who voluntarily resign. A judge has temporarily blocked that plan, with a hearing set for Monday.
Meanwhile, USAID employees remain uncertain about their future. While the court ruling provides temporary relief, the administration may continue efforts to scale back or eliminate the agency.
As legal battles continue, the fate of USAID and its global programs remains unclear. The next few weeks could determine whether the U.S. maintains its role as a leader in international humanitarian aid or scales back its commitments under the Trump administration’s cost-cutting agenda.
