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Unions representing federal employees have taken legal action against the Trump administration in response to the abrupt shutdown of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The lawsuit, filed late Thursday, aims to halt the government’s efforts to dismantle the agency, citing devastating consequences for humanitarian aid, American jobs, and national security.
The administration, led by President Donald Trump, has overseen a drastic reduction of USAID personnel, slashing its workforce from over 10,000 to fewer than 300 employees within a single day.
The lawsuit alleges that these actions were carried out without proper legal procedures, leaving thousands of employees without work while jeopardizing critical foreign aid initiatives.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a newly established entity within the administration, launched a sweeping shutdown operation over the weekend. Employees were abruptly cut off from internal systems, USAID buildings were sealed, and thousands of workers were placed on administrative leave without clear justification.
The move has sparked outrage from federal employee unions and humanitarian organizations, which warn of severe disruptions to aid programs worldwide.
The lawsuit was filed by the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) against multiple high-ranking officials, including President Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, USAID leadership, the State Department, and the Department of Treasury.
The unions argue that the administration’s actions not only violate labor rights but also inflict severe damage on America’s global humanitarian efforts.
According to the complaint, the sudden shutdown has led to immediate and far-reaching consequences. “These actions have generated a global humanitarian crisis by abruptly halting the crucial work of USAID employees, grantees, and contractors. They have cost thousands of American jobs. And they have imperiled U.S. national security interests,” the lawsuit states.
Unions are demanding an immediate injunction to reverse the shutdown and restore USAID’s functions.
Their legal petition specifically calls for the appointment of an independent acting director to oversee the agency, the reopening of all USAID buildings, the reinstatement of internal systems and webpages, the resumption of grant and contract funding, and the cancellation of additional furloughs and mandatory evacuation orders for employees.
The Trump administration’s actions have been met with sharp criticism from lawmakers, foreign policy experts, and international aid organizations. USAID plays a vital role in distributing humanitarian assistance, responding to global crises, and supporting economic development in struggling regions.
The abrupt workforce reduction has disrupted aid programs in conflict zones, cut off crucial funding to health and education initiatives, and created uncertainty about America’s role in international development.
Humanitarian organizations have warned that the shutdown will have dire consequences. USAID is responsible for delivering emergency food aid, supporting refugee assistance programs, combating global health epidemics, and funding economic development projects in impoverished nations.
The sudden termination of these programs could result in widespread suffering and destabilization in regions that depend on American aid.
Critics argue that the move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scale back America’s involvement in international affairs. The administration has repeatedly sought to cut USAID’s budget, viewing foreign aid as a wasteful expenditure.
However, many foreign policy analysts warn that diminishing USAID’s role could weaken America’s global influence, allowing adversaries such as China and Russia to expand their diplomatic and economic footholds in regions traditionally supported by U.S. aid.
Within the agency, employees have expressed frustration and concern over the administration’s handling of the situation. Many workers were locked out of their systems without prior notice, leaving them uncertain about their employment status.
Some have reported being unable to access their email accounts or retrieve important documents, further complicating efforts to continue their work remotely.
The legal battle over USAID’s shutdown is expected to be a contentious one, with unions arguing that the administration has violated established labor laws and procedural requirements. If successful, the lawsuit could force the government to reinstate workers and resume USAID’s operations, at least temporarily.
As the case moves through the courts, the broader implications of USAID’s dismantling remain a subject of heated debate. While the Trump administration maintains that restructuring USAID is necessary for efficiency, critics argue that the abrupt nature of the shutdown is reckless and harmful.
The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant consequences not only for the thousands of federal employees affected but also for the millions of people worldwide who rely on U.S. humanitarian assistance.
With tensions rising and legal proceedings underway, the future of USAID hangs in the balance. The lawsuit marks a significant challenge to the Trump administration’s approach to foreign aid, and its resolution will determine whether the agency can continue its mission of providing critical assistance to vulnerable populations across the globe.
