A federal judge has indicated that he will soon release a written order regarding the ongoing legal battle over the future of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Judge Nichols, appointed by former President Trump, stated that the order would provide further details on the implications for USAID employees following a lawsuit filed by advocacy groups.
The organizations involved in the lawsuit are currently awaiting the judge’s detailed ruling to better understand how it will impact the agency’s workforce. Initial indications suggest that the more than 2,000 direct hires at USAID who are part of unions may remain secure in their positions, according to Lauren Bateman, an attorney with Public Citizen, one of the groups that initiated the legal action. However, the Trump administration has already placed approximately 500 USAID staff on leave.
During a recent court hearing, Judge Nichols appeared hesitant to grant additional requests from the plaintiffs, which included demands to restore funding and contracts or to reopen closed USAID facilities. The lawsuit claims that the president’s actions to dismantle the agency violate both the U.S. Constitution and federal law, asserting that only Congress has the authority to make such decisions.
Representing the Trump administration, Justice Department official Brett Shumate argued that the president has identified issues of corruption and fraud within USAID, justifying his administration’s actions. The outcome of this legal dispute could have significant ramifications for the agency and its employees, as the court’s ruling will clarify the legal boundaries of executive power in relation to federal agencies.