A federal judge has granted a weeklong extension to thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees, delaying their forced administrative leave or recall from international assignments. The judge, Carl Nichols, has signaled reluctance to provide longer-term relief, complicating the Trump administration’s rapid overhaul of organizations like USAID that manage substantial foreign aid budgets.
Concerns and Skepticism
During a recent court session, Judge Nichols voiced doubts about the judiciary’s ongoing involvement in overseeing USAID personnel matters within the U.S. He suggested that the agency could address employment issues through financial compensation rather than court directives.
Nichols highlighted two key areas where he identified potential harm requiring intervention: USAID staff in high-risk locations abroad and those facing significant expenses like housing, utilities, and education.
Challenges and Irritations
Eric Hamilton from the Justice Department assured security arrangements for employees on leave, but failed to provide specific details, frustrating the judge. Nichols expressed bewilderment at the government’s inability to quantify the number of overseas USAID personnel, stating, “Weird no one in the courtroom knows.”
Legal Disputes and Agency Concerns
Advocates for USAID employees, represented by attorney Karla Gilbride, raised constitutional objections to the administration’s efforts to merge USAID into the State Department. Gilbride emphasized that these structural changes couldn’t be resolved through individual grievances.
However, Judge Nichols questioned the necessity of adjudicating the broader dispute over the authority to shut down USAID entirely, citing ambiguity about the immediacy of such actions.
Future Actions and Decisions
Despite indications of a possible USAID shutdown, Hamilton clarified that no formal closure was imminent and that the administration had fulfilled its consultation obligations with Congress regarding reorganization plans.
As the legal battle continues, Nichols plans to issue a definitive ruling before the temporary restraining order lapses, balancing the employees’ rights with the administration’s restructuring agenda.
