Godsent Ogbebor
Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s USAID Cuts, Orders Temporary Restoration of Foreign Aid
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily restore USAID funding for foreign aid programs and conduct a detailed review of each program before deciding which to eliminate.
In his ruling, Judge Amir Ali stated that while the administration cited “efficiency and consistency with priorities” as reasons for suspending the programs, it failed to justify the blanket suspension of all congressionally appropriated foreign aid, which disrupted thousands of agreements with businesses, nonprofits, and organizations worldwide.
The temporary funding restoration order applies to contracts that were in place before January 20, when Trump issued an executive order freezing all foreign assistance.
The Global Health Council, one of the plaintiffs in the case, hailed the ruling as a crucial step toward restoring U.S. foreign assistance programs, emphasizing the importance of American leadership in global health and humanitarian efforts.
On February 13, Judge Carl Nichols extended his pause on placing USAID staffers on leave through February 21, preventing the Trump administration from taking further action against employees. He stated that he would make a ruling on the case by the end of next week.
However, on February 11, USAID Inspector General Paul Martin was abruptly terminated from his position. Two days earlier, Martin had published a report stating that the administration’s actions against USAID staff and foreign assistance programs had hindered oversight efforts and the ability to vet aid recipients for potential terrorist ties.
The administration’s plan to drastically reduce USAID’s workforce has sparked significant backlash. On February 7, Nichols blocked Trump from placing 2,200 USAID staffers on leave, calling it a “limited” intervention.
Reports indicate that the administration aims to cut USAID’s workforce from 10,000 to about 290, leaving only a small team focused on health and humanitarian assistance.
A lawsuit filed by a labor union and the American Foreign Service Association argues that the Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the power to dissolve a federal agency.
The lawsuit accuses the administration of triggering a global humanitarian crisis by abruptly halting USAID operations.
The New York Times reported that USAID personnel have been clearing out their desks following a notice stating that all direct-hire employees would be placed on administrative leave unless designated for mission-critical roles.
For USAID personnel stationed abroad, the agency is working with the State Department on arrangements for their return to the United States within 30 days. Contractors deemed non-essential will be laid off.
Several of USAID’s social media accounts have been deactivated, though its Facebook page remains online, with its last post featuring an op-ed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
A protest, the “Rally to Restore Foreign Aid Now,” is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday morning.
Read more: Vatican raise Alarm over Trump’s USAID Aid Cuts
Lawmakers, including Senators Tim Kaine, Chris Coons, and Chris Van Hollen, as well as Representatives Lois Frankel and Sara Jacobs, are expected to speak against the administration’s efforts to curtail USAID operations.
Senator Brian Schatz has vowed to block all State Department nominees until USAID is left intact. Meanwhile, Rubio has been temporarily appointed as acting administrator of USAID.
He has stated that certain missions, bureaus, and offices may be integrated into the State Department while the remainder of the agency could be abolished in accordance with applicable laws.
On February 3, USAID employees were instructed to work remotely, and hundreds of staffers lost access to computer systems overnight.
That same day, Elon Musk, during an X Spaces discussion, claimed that Trump approved shutting down USAID, describing the agency as beyond repair.
Senator Joni Ernst, also on the stream, suggested that any beneficial programs under USAID could be transferred to the State Department with proper oversight.
With legal battles and political opposition mounting, the future of USAID remains in flux as debates continue over its role in U.S. foreign policy.
