The legal battle continues as unions and lawmakers fight against the Trump administration's proposal to significantly cut U.S.A.I.D.'s workforce.
Judge Delays Trump Administration's Plans to Undermine U.S.A.I.D.
Judge Delays Trump Administration's Plans to Undermine U.S.A.I.D.
A federal judge extends a temporary injunction on actions targeting the U.S.A.I.D. amid legal challenges.
Federal Judge Carl Nichols has announced an extension of the temporary restraining order that halts the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.). This order, originally set to expire, now remains in effect for at least another week as the court considers its next steps. The administration's directive targeted over 2,000 employees, placing them on administrative leave and requiring many overseas staff to return to the United States.
The impact of this plan, largely influenced by entrepreneur Elon Musk's suggestions on cutting federal budgets, would directly affect nearly 2,700 direct hires at U.S.A.I.D., including numerous Foreign Service officers. The legal challenge has been brought forth by two unions representing these employees—the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees. They argue that President Trump's executive freeze on foreign aid for 90 days, along with the moves to reduce U.S.A.I.D.'s operations and workforce, constitutes an unconstitutional overreach.
Opposition to the plan is widespread, with Democratic lawmakers, U.S.A.I.D. personnel, and various organizations relying on U.S. foreign assistance labeling these actions as unlawful. They emphasize that U.S.A.I.D.'s existence and funding are mandated by law and that Congress has also allocated funds for the agency's operations through mid-March. As the situation unfolds, many are awaiting Judge Nichols' decision, which is expected by the end of next week regarding the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction that could indefinitely block significant portions of the administration's plans.
The impact of this plan, largely influenced by entrepreneur Elon Musk's suggestions on cutting federal budgets, would directly affect nearly 2,700 direct hires at U.S.A.I.D., including numerous Foreign Service officers. The legal challenge has been brought forth by two unions representing these employees—the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees. They argue that President Trump's executive freeze on foreign aid for 90 days, along with the moves to reduce U.S.A.I.D.'s operations and workforce, constitutes an unconstitutional overreach.
Opposition to the plan is widespread, with Democratic lawmakers, U.S.A.I.D. personnel, and various organizations relying on U.S. foreign assistance labeling these actions as unlawful. They emphasize that U.S.A.I.D.'s existence and funding are mandated by law and that Congress has also allocated funds for the agency's operations through mid-March. As the situation unfolds, many are awaiting Judge Nichols' decision, which is expected by the end of next week regarding the plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction that could indefinitely block significant portions of the administration's plans.
