A federal court has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to place thousands of USAID staff on paid leave, issuing a temporary restraining order that will remain in effect until February 14th.
A judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump‘s plan to place 2,200 workers at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on paid leave. The decision was made in response to a last-minute lawsuit filed by two unions representing employees of the agency.
Temporary Restraining Order Issued
Judge Carl Nichols issued a ‘limited’ temporary restraining order, which will remain in place until 14 February at midnight. This means that the 500 staff already placed on administrative leave will be reinstated, and no additional employees will be put on leave before that date.
The judge sided with the unions, stating that they would suffer ‘irreparable harm‘ if the court did not intervene. In contrast, there would be ‘zero harm to the government.’ The order also allows the 500 staff already placed on administrative leave to access email, payment, and security notification systems until the date of the restraining order.
Background on USAID
USAID is the world’s largest aid donor, with a budget of around $40bn. Two-thirds of its 10,000 staff work overseas, primarily in health programmes around the world. The agency has been targeted by Trump‘s administration as part of an effort to slash federal spending in the US.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a US government agency responsible for providing economic, development, and humanitarian assistance to countries around the world.
With a presence in over 100 countries, 'addressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and disease'.
The agency provides funding, technical expertise, and resources to support sustainable development projects, with a focus on empowering local communities and promoting self-reliance.
Legal Action
The lawsuit filed by the American Foreign Service Association and American Federation of Government Employees argued that President Trump was violating the US Constitution and federal law by attempting to dismantle USAID without congressional authorization. The court will consider a request for a longer-term pause at a hearing on Wednesday.
Implications of the Ruling
The ruling has significant implications for USAID staff, who were left in limbo by the agency’s sudden move to place most employees on leave. The decision also raises questions about the future of the agency and its role in providing humanitarian aid around the world.
As the court battle continues, it remains unclear what will happen to the agency’s remaining staff or whether funding for USAID will be restored.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) relies on annual appropriations from the US Congress to fund its development programs worldwide.
The majority of USAID's funding comes from the State Department's budget, with additional funds allocated through foreign assistance bills.
In 2020, USAID received $39 billion in funding, accounting for approximately '1% of the federal budget'.
This allocation is divided among various sectors, including global health, humanitarian assistance, and economic development.
