Employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are seeking to block President Trump’s administration’s efforts to significantly reduce worldwide staff. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, appointed by Trump, temporarily halted the administration’s plans to place thousands of workers on leave and recall those abroad within 30 days. Two federal employee associations are urging the judge to extend this halt and also suspend Trump’s freeze on foreign assistance, which has led to the shutdown of critical aid programs globally, according to USAID workers and humanitarian groups.

The administration, along with Elon Musk’s cost-cutting initiative, has targeted USAID, alleging wastefulness without evidence and disrupting aid programs. Deputy USAID head Pete Marocco claimed that staff insubordination hindered a review of aid programs, prompting the need to remove most USAID employees. USAID employees refute the insubordination claims, attributing confusion to vague directives from external sources associated with Musk.

Supporters of USAID argue that the administration’s actions, including revoking the agency’s Washington headquarters lease, aim to dismantle USAID before facing opposition from lawmakers or the courts. Critics contend that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally shut down USAID without congressional approval, though government lawyers argue the president’s foreign affairs powers are broad and largely unchecked. The ongoing legal battle underscores the broader implications of the administration’s actions on foreign aid and development programs.