8th February 2025, Kathmandu
A federal court has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s decision to place 2,200 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave.
USAID Employee Leave Plan Halted
Judge Carl Nichols issued an order on Friday, preventing the Trump administration from implementing the plan to send or remove these employees on indefinite leave.
Judicial Intervention Prevents Immediate Action
Judge Nichols’ ruling directs the Trump administration to halt its plans immediately. The decision affects USAID’s direct-hire employees, who were scheduled to be placed on leave. The court order ensures that the plan to remove employees or send them on leave will not be carried out at least until the case is resolved.
USAID’s Original Plan
USAID had proposed designating only 300 employees as essential, while the remaining 2,200 would be placed on leave or removed from their positions. An additional 500 direct-hire employees were already placed on hold, with the court order not impacting these individuals. The agency had aimed to execute this plan by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday.
Notice Sent to USAID Employees
In a notification sent to its employees, USAID outlined plans for handling the return travel and expenses for those affected. The agency had stated that it would manage these details within 30 days. The employees were given a notice regarding the potential changes, which created confusion and concern among the workforce.
Labor Groups File Lawsuit
Two labor groups representing USAID employees filed a lawsuit on Thursday, challenging the Trump administration’s decision. They argued that the plan would significantly disrupt the operations of the agency, which provides essential services for global development. The court’s ruling ensures that the decision will not be implemented until the legal dispute is resolved.
What’s Next for USAID Employees?
The court’s temporary halt gives the employees some relief but does not determine the outcome of the case. The judge’s order will remain in effect until a resolution is reached, which could take time. USAID employees are left uncertain about their future, while the Trump administration’s decision is under judicial review.
Impact on USAID’s Global Operations
Critics of the administration’s decision warn that the removal of a significant number of employees could severely impact USAID’s global development efforts. The agency plays a crucial role in providing foreign assistance, and the disruption of its operations could harm international relations and humanitarian work.
The legal battle continues, with many hoping that the court’s intervention will help prevent an unnecessary disruption to vital services. The final resolution of this case could have lasting effects on the future of USAID employees and the agency’s ability to carry out its mission.
For more: USAID Employee Leave Plan Halted