Trump Administration Faces Backlash
A federal judge has dealt a significant blow to the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle the US Agency for International Development (USAID), blocking a move to put 2,200 staff members on paid leave. The ruling comes as part of a broader challenge to the administration’s efforts to shut down the agency, which has been a key target in its push to reduce government spending.
Judge Sides with Employee Associations
District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump nominee, sided with two federal employee associations in agreeing to a temporary halt to the plan. Nichols stressed that his order was not a decision on the employees’ request to roll back the administration’s dismantling of the agency, but rather a pause in the implementation of the plan.
USAID Under Siege
The Trump administration and billionaire ally Elon Musk have been working to dismantle USAID, shutting down funding for the agency and placing staff on leave or furlough. The move has been met with opposition from Democratic lawmakers, who argue that the administration lacks the authority to shut down the agency without congressional approval.
Programs Under Threat
The administration’s actions have put numerous programs at risk, including $450 million in food aid for 36 million people and water supplies for 1.6 million people displaced by war in Sudan’s Darfur region. USAID officials have disputed claims by Secretary of State Marco Rubio that essential life-saving programs were receiving waivers to continue funding.
Judge’s Ruling a Blow to Administration
The judge’s order is the latest setback for the Trump administration in the courts, following temporary pauses on policies to offer financial incentives for federal workers to resign and end birthright citizenship for anyone born in the US to someone in the country illegally.
Uncertainty Ahead
The fate of other USAID staff members who have been laid off, furloughed, or put on leave remains unclear. The administration has spoken of moving a reduced number of aid and development programs under the State Department, which could result in substantial staff reductions within the State Department itself.
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