A federal judge has extended the temporary halt on the Trump administration’s plans to dismantle USAID for another week following a lengthy hearing on Thursday. This case represents a key challenge to President Trump’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce and close down agencies.
Judge Carl Nichols of the DC District Court ruled that the court order would remain in effect, reinstating USAID employees who had been placed on paid leave and blocking further actions that could negatively affect workers, particularly those stationed in high-security-risk foreign countries, until February 21.
Nichols, who was appointed by Trump in 2019, has not yet decided whether he will allow the administration’s plans to dismantle USAID or block them indefinitely, but he plans to make a ruling by the end of next week. His decision is expected to be appealed.
The hearing, which lasted three hours, was attended by numerous foreign aid workers, including some affiliated with USAID or its contractors. Nichols focused his questioning on potential next steps for the administration, the ability of workers to seek recourse if harmed by the changes, and how the government could ensure the safety of USAID workers abroad if the dismantling proceeds.
Karla Gilbride, an attorney representing unions of USAID workers, argued that the administration’s actions were unlawful and lacked congressional authorization. In contrast, Justice Department lawyers argued that the agency wasn’t being shut down but only “studied” for 90 days under the new administration.
The government stated that as of February 7, more than 2,000 USAID employees were on paid administrative leave, mostly within the U.S., with those in high-risk locations unaffected. Nichols had previously ordered the reinstatement of those workers who were on leave during the early stages of the case.
One of the main issues in the case is how the Trump administration plans to ensure the safety of foreign aid workers in risky countries, especially following incidents like the unrest in Congo, which forced USAID workers to evacuate. Under the initial plan, employees in high-risk areas could be placed on leave, losing access to vital communication and security resources. However, DOJ lawyers offered few details on what alternative security provisions would be provided.
