A federal judge has cleared the way for the Trump administration to implement plans to remove thousands of workers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols denied a request for a preliminary injunction from labor groups, allowing the administration’s actions to proceed.
The decision follows the government’s announcement that it would place thousands of USAID employees on administrative leave and require personnel stationed abroad to return to the U.S. within 30 days. In his ruling, Judge Nichols stated that comparing the plaintiffs’ claims to the government’s arguments was “like comparing apples to oranges,” noting the lack of evidence that USAID’s operations would imminently harm the public interest.
Earlier this month, the judge had temporarily halted the administration’s plans to put 2,200 USAID staff on leave, rescinded leave for another 500 workers, and paused expedited evacuations for overseas personnel. The lawsuit was filed by the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, who argue that the proposed workforce cuts would have severe humanitarian consequences, including the end of programs aimed at combating malaria and HIV.
The plaintiffs claimed that abruptly placing staff on administrative leave left many USAID workers in dangerous situations without guidance or funds to escape. Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association, acknowledged the ruling as a setback but emphasized the importance of their mission to advance U.S. interests and provide life-saving assistance globally.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, one of the firms representing the unions, stated they would explore all legal options to ensure the safety of Americans at home and abroad. Perryman criticized the Trump administration’s approach, calling it an attempt to undermine Congress’s will and isolate the U.S. internationally.
The White House did not comment immediately on the ruling. The Trump administration aims to cut up to 10% of the federal workforce, with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency playing a key role in these efforts and broader plans to significantly reduce government spending.
Musk has previously criticized USAID, referring to the agency as “a criminal organization” while promoting conspiracy theories surrounding it on social media.
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