Breaking: Federal Judge Pauses Parts of USAID Shutdown in Response to Lawsuit
Temporary restraining order stops Trump administration's attempt to place 2,200 aid workers on leave this evening
WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia stated it will issue a temporary restraining order regarding various aspects of the Trump-Vance administration’s attempt to shutter the operations of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The ruling came in as the Trump administration was seeking to place more than 2200 US AID workers on leave and in response to a legal challenge filed by Democracy Forward and Public Citizen Litigation Group, on behalf of the American Foreign Service Association and American Federation of Government Employees. The government employee unions filed a lawsuit yesterday against Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent, USAID, the State Department, and the Department of Treasury for shutting down USAID, potentially triggering a series of global humanitarian crises.
“Tonight’s ruling proves temporary relief for the over 2,000 workers set to be put on leave by the Trump administration. It is a step forward in our fight against the unconstitutional and illegal attempt to break the back of USAID,” said Lauren Bateman. attorney with Public Citizen Litigation Group. “Trump and Musk’s attempt to disrupt aid around the world is unfathomably cruel, and the ruling tonight pumps the brakes on the destruction of a vital tool of humanitarian relief and American diplomacy. The Trump administration must abide by the ruling, or it risks catapulting the entire U.S. government into chaos.”
“This ruling is a crucial first step in halting a reckless assault on USAID and in supporting the dedicated professionals who serve our country,” said Tom Yazdgerdi, president of AFSA. “We will continue to fight to protect the professionals who advance America’s values and leadership abroad.”
“Today’s ruling is a first step toward justice for the patriotic civil servants at USAID who are being denigrated, insulted, and threatened with termination for no valid reason,” said AFGE National President Everett Kelley. “Wherever AFGE members are under attack, our union will fight aggressively for their dignity, their rights, and the services they provide to our country.”
“Again today, a federal court has had to step in and halt the Trump Administration’s chaotic actions that undermine our nation’s stability and undercut our nation’s leadership in the world. The Trump administration’s attack on USAID is part of a coordinated campaign to undermine the will of Congress and isolate America in the world,” said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. “While we are disappointed that it takes resorting to litigation to protect the security of Americans at home and abroad, we are pleased that our suit will halt the attempt to place more than 2,200 USAID workers on administrative leave this evening.”
As the complaint explains, by imposing stop work orders, freezing funding, putting staff on leave or terminating them entirely, naming Secretary Rubio as Acting Director, and other actions, the Trump Administration has cost thousands of Americans their jobs and threatened U.S. national security interests. And it has led to humanitarian catastrophe: USAID provides life-saving food, medicine, and support to hundreds of thousands of people across the world.
Read the complaint here and the request for a Temporary Restraining Order here.
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