Federal Judge Clears Road for Trump to Drain USAID Swamp [WATCH]

A federal judge ruled Friday against a request to block President Donald Trump’s plan to place thousands of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees on administrative leave.

The decision clears the way for an additional 2,000 staff members to be placed on leave as the administration continues restructuring the agency.

BREAKING: U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols just reversed his previous ruling and said Trump can fire thousands of USAID staffers pic.twitter.com/g7OyfPH50S

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U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, who was appointed by Trump, denied a preliminary injunction request from two labor unions representing Foreign Service officers and civilian employees.

In a 26-page ruling, Nichols rejected the unions’ argument that the administration’s actions would cause irreparable harm, particularly for staff stationed abroad facing sudden evacuations and restricted access to government systems.

Nichols found the unions’ claims insufficient to warrant further judicial intervention, stating that the alleged risks to USAID employees on administrative leave were “far more minimal than it initially appeared.”

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He ruled that concerns about job disruptions and financial instability were common employment issues rather than extraordinary circumstances justifying court action.

Earlier this month, Nichols had issued a temporary order halting the administration’s plans and reinstating employees already placed on leave.

However, after reviewing the case, he determined that existing federal laws allow employees or their unions to challenge administrative leave placements through standard government procedures.

As a result, he stated that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter.

The ruling also upholds a key provision requiring USAID employees stationed abroad to return to the United States within 30 days at government expense, except for a small number of staff permitted to remain in place.

The Trump administration has argued that reducing USAID’s workforce is necessary to implement its policy objectives.

Nichols acknowledged this position, stating in his ruling that the measures were “essential” to those goals.

The administration’s long-term objective is to restructure USAID by moving many of its functions under the authority of the State Department.

To that end, USAID has already begun terminating contracts. According to court filings dated February 12, the agency canceled more than 200 contracts in just two days.

The administration initially planned to retain only 294 “essential staff” members out of the agency’s workforce of more than 10,000.

However, recent court filings indicate that the number of retained essential personnel has increased to approximately 611.

The ruling represents a significant step in the Trump administration’s efforts to reduce USAID’s workforce and shift the agency’s operations.

While the unions representing USAID employees may continue to challenge these changes through internal government processes, Nichols’ decision allows the administration to proceed with its plans.

As the restructuring moves forward, further legal challenges and administrative actions are expected as USAID employees navigate the impact of these changes on their roles and future employment.

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