Sat Feb 08 01:24:00 UTC 2025: ## Judge Halts Trump Administration’s Plan to Place Thousands of USAID Employees on Leave

**Washington, D.C.** – A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to place approximately 2,200 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, issued a temporary restraining order in response to a lawsuit filed by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA).

The administration, citing alleged corruption and fraud within USAID, had planned to place the employees on leave, keeping only 611 essential workers. This action, along with office closures and forced relocations, was challenged by the unions as exceeding the executive branch’s authority. A Justice Department official confirmed that approximately 2,200 employees were slated for leave, with 500 already affected.

Judge Nichols’ order prevents the immediate placement of these employees on leave and pauses the relocation of humanitarian workers stationed overseas. However, the judge did not grant all the unions’ requests, including the reopening of USAID buildings and the restoration of funding for grants and contracts. A written ruling is expected.

President Trump, in a post on Truth Social, reiterated his accusations of widespread corruption and fraudulent spending within USAID, though without providing evidence. He has previously ordered a pause on all U.S. foreign aid to align with his “America First” policy, leading to a widespread halt of USAID programs and raising concerns about the impact on global humanitarian efforts. The implementation of these drastic measures has reportedly been overseen by Elon Musk.

USAID, which distributed $72 billion in aid globally in fiscal year 2023, provides a significant portion of the world’s humanitarian assistance. The ongoing dispute highlights the significant impact of the administration’s actions on global aid and the ongoing legal battle to determine the legality of these measures.

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