Trump temporarily thwarted in DOGE mission to end USAID
A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has granted a request from USAID workers to extend a restraining order against the Trump administration’s attempt to shut down the foreign aid agency. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, announced that he would extend the temporary restraining order by one week, with a final decision scheduled for February 21.
The judge’s new order requires the government to reinstate any USAID employees who were placed on administrative leave and prohibits the administration from implementing any new administrative leave for USAID employees. The hearing on Thursday focused on the alleged “irreparable harm” caused by President Trump’s executive action. Plaintiffs’ attorneys were questioned in detail about the impact of a stop work order that forced nearly all USAID employees to go on leave.
Karla Gilbride, representing the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, argued that the actions taken by the Trump administration were unconstitutional and unprecedented. She emphasized the harm experienced by USAID employees due to safety concerns and the dismantling of the agency.
On the other hand, Justice Department attorney Eric Hamilton contended that the USAID employees’ grievances should be addressed through the Merit Systems Protection Board appeals process rather than in federal court. Hamilton also disputed the claims of irreparable harm, stating that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of employees.
Hamilton pointed to a ruling from U.S. District Judge George O’Toole in Massachusetts allowing the administration’s deferred resignation program to stand as a similar action. Last week, Judge Nichols granted a temporary block on the Trump administration’s order, which would have placed thousands of USAID employees on leave and required those living abroad to return to the U.S. within 30 days at government expense.
The judge’s decision to extend the restraining order was based on the potential irreparable harm to affected employees if the order were to be implemented. Nichols had initially paused the administration’s plans until February 14 to allow for expedited arguments to determine the legality of the actions.
Breanne Deppisch, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the Trump administration, provided insights into the ongoing legal battle between USAID workers and the administration. Stay tuned for further developments on this issue as the court prepares to make a final decision on February 21.
