A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's efforts to place thousands of employees from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave. Judge Carl Nichols issued the ruling in the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., following a request from the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees. The organizations sought an order to prevent the administration from proceeding with its plan to effectively "shut down" USAID operations.
The Trump administration had planned to suspend approximately 2,200 USAID employees starting Friday night at 11:59 p.m. ET. This move was part of President Donald Trump's broader efforts to close down the independent government agency. However, Judge Nichols intervened after considering arguments presented by both the administration and the two groups representing federal workers.
Judge Nichols' ruling included a "very limited" temporary restraining order directed at the 2,200 USAID employees who were at risk of being placed on leave. The judge's decision creates a temporary pause in the Trump administration's plan, ensuring that USAID's operations continue uninterrupted for the time being.
The legal challenge brought forth by the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees emphasized the critical nature of USAID's work and the potential impact on international aid efforts if operations were disrupted. The organizations argued that halting USAID's functions would have significant repercussions on U.S. foreign relations and humanitarian initiatives.
The hearing in Washington, D.C. brought attention to President Trump's intentions toward USAID, sparking debate over its role and effectiveness in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. While the administration argued for the efficiency and necessity of its plan, the employee associations stressed the importance of maintaining USAID's mission.
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