A federal judge has issued a temporary ruling against the Trump administration's plan to significantly reduce the workforce of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), according to ABC News. This decision prevents the administration from placing over 2,200 USAID employees on leave just days following lawsuits filed by two major foreign service unions.

The American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees filed a lawsuit alleging that President Trump's actions aimed to unlawfully dismantle the agency, which has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign aid efforts since its establishment in 1961. They claim that Trump's reductions in staffing—from about 14,000 employees to a mere 300—are unconstitutional and unauthorized by Congress, violating federal law. As per the lawsuit, the administration's moves have created a humanitarian crisis, halting critical work conducted by USAID personnel, contractors, and grantees. The consequences, they argue, jeopardize thousands of American jobs and U.S. national security interests.

The situation escalated earlier this week as reports indicated that the Trump administration intended to usher in a series of cuts that would effectively shut down USAID operations. The unions' lawsuit outlines a timeline of events, pointing to how the administration's actions, beginning with an Executive Order to freeze foreign aid on Trump's first day in office, have led to significant disruptions. The lawsuit states: "Not a single one of defendants' actions to dismantle USAID were taken pursuant to congressional authorization." They argue that only Congress has the legal authority to enact such dismantling.

In a swift legal response, Judge Carl Nichols ruled to block any further actions to fire or place USAID employees on leave. The judge's order allows current employees to remain active within their roles as the case progresses. This decision arrives as Business Insider reports on the potential humanitarian fallout of these political maneuvers, highlighting the critical aid provided by USAID in countries severely affected by poverty and crises.

The involvement of Elon Musk has further intensified the debate surrounding the agency. Musk's comments about "feeding USAID into the woodchipper" brought significant backlash, especially considering USAID's role amidst challenging global contexts, such as the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Jordan. The federal government has a rich history of humanitarian involvement, with USAID spending nearly $32.5 billion in fiscal year 2024, making the potential disruption particularly concerning.

While the Trump administration maintains its stance that USAID's operations are wasteful, they have also stressed the U.S.'s continued commitment to bending foreign aid to strategic priorities. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, "The United States is not walking away from foreign aid. It's not." As the legal proceedings unravel, the fate of USAID and its core missions remain uncertain, placing spotlight on the balance between executive power and constitutional mandates.

For continuous updates on this unfolding situation, visit BBC.