A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to place 2,200 USAID workers on paid leave, just hours before it was set to happen.
Judge Carl Nichols issued a restraining order in response to a lawsuit by two unions, blocking the move until February 14.
Trump’s plan to reduce USAID’s workforce is part of his effort to cut government spending.
He argued that USAID is an inefficient use of taxpayer money, aiming to put nearly all of its 10,000 employees on leave, except for 611.
The unions argued this violated the Constitution and would harm workers.
Judge Nichols sided with the unions, ordering the reinstatement of 500 staff already on leave and preventing any further layoffs.
USAID, the world’s largest foreign aid donor, has a $40 billion budget, with much spent on global health programs.
Trump has claimed corruption at USAID and has called for its closure. Critics warn that cuts to the agency could have serious global consequences, including increased AIDS-related deaths.
In a separate case, another judge blocked Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) from accessing Treasury records containing personal financial data.
The decision will remain in place until February 14.
