A judge has stopped President Trump’s plan to place thousands of USAID employees on leave. This ruling comes after some staff members were already affected, raising concerns about the agency’s future.
Court Stops Mass Suspension of USAID Workers
On Friday, Judge Carl Nichols blocked the Trump administration’s plan to put 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave. The ruling came after some workers had already been sent home. This created worries about the agency’s ability to continue its important humanitarian programs.
The two groups that filed the case argued the administration could not close an agency created by Congress. President Trump had publicly called for shutting down USAID. At the agency’s office in Washington, D.C., workers covered the building’s name and placed flowers at the entrance, showing their concern about the agency’s future.
Officials Dispute Government’s Claims
Some USAID leaders disagreed with Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that some programs would be protected. With most workers sent home and funding frozen, one official said the agency was nearly shut down.
Trump and Elon Musk, who is leading a government cost-cutting program, have made USAID a major target. Initially, only 297 workers were saved from furlough, but that number later grew to 611. These workers are managing the return of other staff and contractors.
Uncertain Future for USAID and Its Work
USAID employees, speaking anonymously, said some vital programs are still running. However, they are unsure whether the changes are temporary or permanent. There is also talk about moving some of USAID’s work to the State Department, which could lead to job cuts.
The agency’s programs are already facing problems. For example, $450 million worth of U.S. food meant to feed 36 million people has not been delivered. In Darfur, Sudan, 1.6 million displaced people could lose access to water because fuel for water pumps is not being paid for. This raises serious questions about the future of U.S. aid around the world.