Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s decision to dismantle USAID

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to remove thousands of US Agency for International Development (USAID) employees, citing serious risks to workers and their families.

Judge Carl Nichols halted the administration’s efforts to place USAID staff on abrupt administrative leave and stopped the 30-day deadline requiring overseas employees to return to the US at government expense. He pointed to reports that some workers had already been cut off from official communication channels, including emergency “panic button” apps, leaving them vulnerable in crisis situations.

Nichols also ordered the reinstatement of USAID employees who had already been placed on leave. However, he declined to grant a full temporary block on Trump’s funding freeze, meaning the agency remains effectively shut down for now.

The decision comes amid legal challenges from federal employee associations and Democratic lawmakers, who argue that Trump lacks the authority to dismantle USAID without congressional approval. The case is ongoing, with further hearings expected.