A federal judge has cleared the Trump administration to place over 2,000 USAid workers on leave, despite government employee unions’ opposition. The judge lifted a temporary restraining order and declined to issue a longer-term order, citing the administration’s assurances of protections for the workers. The unions had filed a lawsuit claiming the administration was dismantling the foreign aid agency and violating the US constitution. The White House did not immediately respond to the ruling. The lawsuit was brought by the American Federation of Government Employees and the American Foreign Service Association, with Oxfam also joining. Trump’s 90-day freeze on foreign aid led to the shutdown of USAid’s operations, including placing staff on leave, suspending contracts, and closing its headquarters. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has taken over as acting director of USAid and is considering absorbing parts of the agency. The foreign aid freeze has sparked legal challenges, with another judge ordering the administration to resume payments on frozen contracts and grants. The decision by Judge Nichols is seen as a setback for union efforts to protect USAid workers and prevent the agency’s closure. The administration’s plans for USAid and the broader implications for foreign aid remain uncertain as legal battles continue.
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