Judge blocks Trump's USAID furlough plan for 2,700 staff
American judge Carl Nichols has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan regarding the furloughing of USAID employees. The decision affects 2,700 people and is in effect until February 14.
District Judge Carl Nichols from Washington, nominated by Donald Trump during his first term, has temporarily halted the plan to furlough employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision impacts 2,700 employees.
Judge Nichols' decision, effective until February 14, blocks the furlough of 2,200 employees on paid leave and restores 500 individuals, who were already sent on unpaid leave, to their positions. The judge also prohibited sending USAID employees working abroad back to the United States.
American government employee unions and diplomatic service workers presented a "strong showing of irreparable harm" that could result from the administration's actions.
Nichols will review the request for a more extended suspension of the decision on February 12. However, he rejected other union requests to reopen USAID offices and restore funding for the agency's grants and contracts.
The Trump administration announced on February 4 that nearly all USAID personnel must return to the United States within 30 days, unless deemed "essential personnel." This decision is part of a broader plan to freeze foreign aid, which had already led to layoffs and the closure of agency programs.
The USAID headquarters in Washington was closed on February 3, and its computers and servers were removed.
