Two unions representing employees of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his administration.
The legal action follows the White House’s proposal to drastically reduce the agency’s staff, which would shrink its global workforce from about 10,000 to fewer than 300 employees.
Key Points of the Lawsuit
- Staff Reduction: USAID employees were informed the agency’s workforce would be slashed to a fraction of its current size, with dramatic cuts expected in the coming months.
- Legal Claims: The lawsuit, filed on Thursday in Washington, DC, argues the President does not have the constitutional authority to shut down the agency. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed the suit.
- Constitutional Violation: The lawsuit claims that the President’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution and federal law. Specifically, it asserts that only Congress has the power to dismantle a federal agency.
- Government Defendants: In addition to President Trump, the lawsuit targets the U.S. State Department, USAID, the Treasury Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The Trump Administration’s Stance
The Trump administration has defended the proposal to reduce USAID’s size, arguing that the agency is inefficient and mismanaging funds.
They believe shrinking the workforce is necessary to align USAID’s operations with the President’s foreign policy goals.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has publicly supported the plan, stating that the US will not completely end foreign aid but will prioritize programs that align with US interests. He emphasized that any foreign aid must be justifiable and defendable.
He said:
“We’re going to continue to provide foreign aid and be involved in programs but it has to be programs that we can defend.”
Immediate Effects on USAID Employees
The lawsuit comes at a time when many USAID employees are facing uncertainty.
As of Friday night, thousands of workers are expected to be placed on administrative leave. This has led to growing concerns over the agency’s ability to continue its global humanitarian efforts.
USAID plays a vital role in international aid and development, and its abrupt downsizing threatens to disrupt critical programs.
Employees, contractors, and grantees are now facing the halting of essential services.
The unions argue that the decision to downsize USAID has already caused significant harm, with serious implications for US national security and global humanitarian efforts.
The lawsuit notes the cuts have contributed to a global crisis, leaving vulnerable populations without necessary aid.
What the Lawsuit Demands
The lawsuit outlines several key demands:
- Appointment of an Independent Acting Director: The unions are calling for the immediate appointment of an independent director to manage USAID’s operations.
- Restoration of Operations: They are asking for the reopening of USAID offices and the restoration of the agency’s website, grants, and contracts that were suspended.
- Reversal of Staff Cuts: The unions seek a halt to the administration’s plan to drastically reduce the agency’s workforce.
The plaintiffs argue that the actions taken by the Trump administration have violated the legal rights of USAID employees and have severely impacted the agency’s ability to fulfill its mission.
As well as the rights of workers, the lawsuits also raise major concerns about the global impact of cutting the department.
It says:
“Cutting off USAID work has stopped efforts to prevent children from dying of malaria, ended pharmaceutical clinical trials, and “threatened a global resurgence in HIV.
“Deaths are inevitable.
“Already, 300 babies that would not have had HIV, now do.
“Thousands of girls and women will die from pregnancy and childbirth. Without judicial intervention, it will only get worse.”
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The Bigger Picture
This lawsuit is not the first to challenge the Trump administration’s approach to government restructuring, but it is the first to focus on USAID.
The case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of the US in international development and foreign aid.
As this legal battle unfolds, many are watching closely to see if the courts will intervene to protect the agency.
If the lawsuit succeeds, it could have far-reaching implications for the way the US handles foreign assistance in the future.
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The Road Ahead for USAID and Its Employees
With the legal process just beginning, it remains unclear how the case will evolve. For now, USAID employees are left in limbo, awaiting a resolution.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a significant precedent for future decisions about the role and structure of US government agencies.
Ultimately, the fate of USAID hinges on whether Congress or the courts will have the final say in its future. The lawsuit has underscored the deep divisions over foreign aid and the broader direction of US foreign policy under the Trump administration.
