A federal judge in Washington, D.C., ruled on Thursday to support U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees by extending a restraining order against the Trump administration’s efforts to effectively close the agency. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, appointed by former President Trump, extended the temporary restraining order for an additional week and is expected to announce a final decision in a matter regarding President Trump’s actions on February 21.
The judge’s new ruling mandates that the government must reinstate USAID employees who were placed on administrative leave and prohibits any new leaves from being applied during this period.
During the hearing, Judge Nichols focused on the claims of “irreparable harm” related to Trump’s executive order, asking the attorneys representing the employees detailed questions regarding the impact of the stop-work order that affected nearly all USAID employees.
Karla Gilbride, representing the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, argued that the actions taken by the Trump administration have harmed the employees, citing concerns for both their safety and overall well-being. She emphasized that this situation is not just a few isolated events but part of a larger, unprecedented dismantling of a congressionally established agency.
In response, Justice Department attorney Eric Hamilton contended that the issues raised by USAID employees are more about personnel matters and should be dealt with through the Merit Systems Protection Board rather than federal courts. He asserted that the government is committed to the safety of its employees, claiming that 98% of those placed on administrative leave were in the U.S. or in developed countries.
Earlier, Judge Nichols had blocked the Trump administration’s directive intended to place around 2,200 USAID employees on leave. This order also reinstated around 500 employees from administrative leave, recognizing the potential for significant harm if the administration’s abrupt changes were to proceed without judicial oversight.
Judge Nichols expressed concern that the administration’s order could result in “irreparable harm” to those affected and has allocated time for expedited arguments to explore the legality of the executive actions taken by the Trump administration.
The tension surrounding USAID and its employees reflects larger conversations about the role of government agencies and the implications of executive power on their operations. As this case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how it might impact the future of foreign aid and the agencies designed to deliver it.
