WASHINGTON: A judge has temporarily stopped President Trump from placing 2,200 USAID employees on paid leave.
Judge Carl Nichols issued a restraining order after unions filed a last-minute lawsuit to block the action.
The ruling delays Trump’s plan just hours before it was set to take effect.
The order remains in place until February 14 at midnight.
Trump’s Justification
Trump argues that USAID is not a good use of taxpayer funds.
His administration plans to put nearly all 10,000 employees on leave except 611.
Already, 500 workers had been placed on administrative leave before the ruling.
Another 2,200 employees were set to join them at midnight.
Judge Sides with Workers
The unions argued the plan violated the Constitution and harmed affected employees.
Nichols ruled that workers faced “irreparable harm” if placed on leave.
He determined there was “zero harm to the government” in pausing the plan.
The order reinstates the 500 workers already placed on leave.
Next Legal Steps
The judge ensured reinstated employees regain email, pay, and security access.
No additional employees can be placed on leave before February 14.
A hearing on Wednesday will determine if the pause should be extended.
The ruling does not clarify the fate of the remaining USAID workforce.
Agency Changes Underway
Officials were seen removing USAID signs at headquarters in Washington DC.
The Trump administration continues efforts to downsize the agency.
The future of USAID remains uncertain pending legal proceedings.
More updates are expected after the next court hearing.
