Jerry Jackson A federal judge has halted former President Donald Trump’s effort to put USAID workers on leave. The plan had already started, sparking fears about the agency’s future.
Judge Blocks Furlough
On Friday, Judge Carl Nichols ruled against the plan, which aimed to furlough 2,200 USAID employees. Many feared this would end crucial aid programs.
The decision came as protests erupted. Outside USAID’s headquarters in Washington, workers covered the agency’s sign in defiance. Trump had also proposed shutting it down entirely.
Pushback Against Budget Cuts
USAID leaders warned that the furloughs would disrupt critical aid efforts. Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured that some work would continue, one official described the agency as “shut down” with most staff absent.
The administration worked closely with Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” to restructure the agency. Out of 8,000 workers, only 611 were exempted, leaving them to handle the transition.
Aid Programs at Risk
Despite the judge’s ruling, the agency’s future remains uncertain. Some employees will continue working overseas, but many programs could lose funding.
Officials revealed that $450 million in food aid remains on hold, leaving 36 million people without assistance. In Sudan, 1.6 million residents could lose access to clean water due to fuel budget cuts.
Trump and Musk have pushed to move USAID’s responsibilities to the State Department. Employees fear more job losses ahead. A court hearing on Monday will decide whether the government can offer workers financial incentives to resign.
The legal battle continues. As the courts deliberate, thousands of jobs and vital aid programs hang in the balance.