A federal judge has extended the suspension of the Trump administration’s controversial plan to place thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees on paid leave. The decision ensures the halt remains in effect at least until February 21, as ruled by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols on Thursday.
The ruling follows a court hearing that was rescheduled from Wednesday due to a snowstorm in Washington, D.C. Judge Nichols, appointed by President Trump, issued the order shortly after the session concluded.
The plan to reduce the USAID workforce—an independent federal agency established by Congress in 1961—had already faced a temporary block last week. The administration’s proposal included recalling employees stationed abroad back to the United States, a move that sparked widespread criticism.
At the hearing, Judge Nichols stated he expects to release another ruling by next week regarding whether the pause will extend beyond February 21. He also instructed the Justice Department to provide additional details by Friday on the Trump administration’s measures to ensure the safety of overseas USAID workers placed on leave. The judge specifically inquired about how the plan would affect employees’ non-salary benefits and their access to necessary systems, including email, payments, and security notifications.
The pause has caused significant uncertainty among USAID employees worldwide, including those in high-risk locations. The situation has prompted a scramble among workers as they prepare for a potential halt in their operations while uncertain about the duration of the disruption.
This legal battle, led by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), represents one of three ongoing lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle USAID and reduce foreign aid programs.
The move to curtail USAID operations has sparked protests on Capitol Hill, with demonstrators accusing Congress of failing to prevent the administration from dismantling the agency, which has been critical in providing humanitarian aid worldwide.
As the legal proceedings continue, the future of USAID’s operations hangs in the balance, leaving many employees and recipients of foreign aid in a state of uncertainty.
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