Federal Judge Extends Restraining Order to Protect USAID Employees from Trump’s Shutdown
Introduction
On Thursday, a federal judge in Washington, D.C. extended a restraining order preventing the Trump administration from effectively shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, granted the request of USAID workers to extend the order for one week.
Background
Last week, Nichols temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s order to place 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave and ordered those already on leave to be reinstated. The order also gave employees living abroad 30 days to return to the U.S.
Hearing Details
The hearing on Thursday focused on the alleged "irreparable harm" caused by Trump’s executive action. Nichols questioned plaintiffs’ attorneys about the impact of the stop-work order on USAID employees.
Karla Gilbride, representing the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees, argued that employees had suffered harm due to safety and well-being concerns. She emphasized the unprecedented nature of the move to dismantle a congressionally created agency.
Government’s Arguments
Justice Department attorney Eric Hamilton countered that the grievances were personnel matters and should be handled by the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) rather than the courts. He also disputed the claims of irreparable harm, stating that the government was committed to the safety of employees.
Hamilton cited a ruling by U.S. District Judge George OToole in Massachusetts allowing the Trump administration’s "fork in the road" resignation program to stand, suggesting that the actions were similar.
Judge’s Decision
Nichols granted the request to extend the restraining order by one week, until February 21. He instructed the government to reinstate any USAID employees still on administrative leave and forbade the implementation of any new leaves. The judge will issue a final decision on the request to block Trump’s action on February 21.
Statement of Impact
Nichols stated that, without court intervention, the administration’s order would cause irreparable harm to USAID employees. He emphasized the need for expedited arguments to determine the legality of the actions.
Conclusion
The extension of the restraining order is a temporary victory for USAID employees and a setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency. The final decision on the legality of the actions will be made on February 21.
