Judge Carl Nichols, who issued the ruling, described it as a “limited” restraining order in response to a last-minute lawsuit filed by two unions representing USAID staff. This order will remain in effect until midnight on February 14, giving the court time to consider further action.
The Controversial Plan to Restructure USAID
President Trump’s administration has long argued that USAID oversees much of the U.S. government’s international aid efforts and is an inefficient use of taxpayer dollars. His plan involves placing nearly all of the agency’s 10,000 employees on paid leave, leaving only 611 active staff members to continue operations.
The restructuring plan had already begun, with 500 USAID staff placed on administrative leave earlier in the week. An additional 2,200 workers were scheduled to join them at midnight on Friday (05:00 GMT). However, the unions representing the employees argued that the plan violated constitutional and federal law, prompting the court’s intervention.
ALSO READ: South African Government Responds To Trump’s Plan To Resettle White Farmers
Judge Nichols’ ruling to block the order
In his ruling, Judge Nichols stated that the unions had successfully demonstrated that their members would suffer “irreparable harm” if the plan proceeded. He emphasized that halting the leave posed no immediate harm to the government, making the restraining order a necessary step to protect the affected workers’ rights.
The order also reinstates the 500 employees already on administrative leave, ensuring they have full access to communication systems and payment processes until the February 14 deadline.
What Happens Next for USAID?
The future of USAID remains uncertain. The court will hold a hearing on Wednesday to consider whether to extend the temporary restraining order or implement a more permanent solution. Meanwhile, the agency’s operations hang in the balance.
As the ruling was announced, reports surfaced of USAID signs being removed and covered at the organization’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The agency’s website has also been reduced to a basic landing page with minimal information about ongoing personnel changes.
ALSO READ: The Power of Professional Relationships in Shaping Your Career Path
The Global Impact of USAID’s Potential Closure
USAID plays a critical role in global humanitarian aid, with much of its budget allocated to health initiatives around the world. The agency’s efforts span over 120 countries, addressing issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention, emergency relief, and public health infrastructure in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
USAID’s potential downsizing or closure has sparked widespread concern among international aid organizations. According to Winnie Byanyima, executive director of UNAIDS, cuts to USAID funding could lead to a catastrophic increase in AIDS-related deaths.
“If this funding is not restored, we could see an additional 6.3 million AIDS-related deaths over the next five years,” Byanyima warned.
