By: Bayero Ade
A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration’s plan to lay off approximately 2,700 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
According to promptnews, Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court in Washington issued a one-week injunction on Friday following lawsuits filed by the largest U.S. government workers’ union and an association of foreign service workers. The groups had challenged the administration’s attempt to shut down the agency.
The ruling prevents the government from placing 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave, which was set to take effect on Saturday. It also orders the reinstatement of 500 employees who had already been furloughed. Additionally, the injunction prohibits the administration from relocating USAID humanitarian workers stationed abroad.
Nichols stated that the unions had presented a strong case demonstrating potential irreparable harm if the layoffs proceeded. A hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday to determine whether the injunction should be extended.
However, the judge denied the unions’ request to reopen USAID offices and restore funding for the agency’s grants and contracts.
Karla Gilbride, a lawyer representing the unions, argued in court that the administration had exceeded its executive authority and violated the separation of powers. She maintained that the workforce reduction, office closures, and forced relocations were unlawful.
The legal battle is expected to continue as the court reviews the Trump administration’s proposed restructuring of USAID.
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