• A federal judge has issued a temporary block on the Trump administration's plan to place 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave.
• The move comes amidst sweeping staffing reductions at USAID, leaving only around 611 employees to operate essential programs.
• Concerns arise that without congressional approval, these actions may violate federal regulations, prompting legal challenges from federal employee associations.

In a significant development, a federal judge has ruled to temporarily halt the Trump administration's directive to place approximately 2,200 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on paid leave. This decision, made by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, who was appointed by Donald Trump, aligns with the arguments presented by two federal employee associations claiming that the administration lacks the authority to dismantle a federal agency that has been in operation for over sixty years and is enshrined in congressional legislation. “CLOSE IT DOWN, ” Trump proclaimed on social media regarding USAID, as crews covered the agency's name at its headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The move to suspend leave was welcomed by USAID employees, especially given Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent assertions that essential life-saving programs abroad were still operational. USAID staff counter this claim, arguing that with nearly all but several hundred employees laid off, the agency has effectively "ceased to exist." As the agency’s funding mechanisms grind to a halt, critical programs—including provisions of $450 million in food aid sufficient to feed 36 million people—are significantly impacted, with supplies being interrupted for 1.6 million displaced individuals in Sudan's Darfur region.

The extraordinary measures taken by the Trump administration, facilitated by the Department of Government Efficiency led by billionaire ally Elon Musk, have initiated legal battles and widespread confusion within U.S. international aid efforts. Initially, the administration indicated that it would exempt a small number of employees from furloughs, ultimately designating 611 employees to manage the return of staff and their families currently abroad.

Despite some employees being granted waiver options, those who choose to extend their stay beyond 30 days may face complications regarding travel costs, which could leave many vulnerable during this transition. Rubio, in remarks made during a trip to the Dominican Republic, indicated that foreign aid would continue but hinted at a realignment toward programs that meet U.S. national interests. Democratic lawmakers and labor unions continue to challenge this strategy, contesting its legality and constitutional basis—calling attention to the potential for catastrophic repercussions for both American workers and global humanitarian efforts that rely heavily on the support provided by USAID.

For more details, visit the Los Angeles Times, TIME, HuffPost, and The Guardian.