**US Judge Blocks Trump’s Plans to Suspend USAID Staff**
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s plans to put thousands of employees at the US Agency for International Development (USAID) on administrative leave.
Over 2,000 USAID staffers were set to be suspended starting February 7. But a temporary restraining order was imposed by Judge Carl Nichols, covering both the employee suspensions and “the accelerated removal of people from their countries.”
**Trump’s Move Sparked by Concerns of Waste and Fraud**
Earlier on February 7, Trump called for the immediate closure of USAID, writing “CLOSE IT DOWN!” on his social media platform Truth Social. A notice posted on USAID’s website informed staff that they would be placed on administrative leave as of February 7.
The unions representing USAID workers argued that Trump’s efforts to dismantle the agency are “unconstitutional and illegal.” During a hearing, Judge Nichols asked Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate why the layoffs were so urgent. Shumate said that Trump had determined there was fraud and corruption at USAID, without providing any evidence.
**USAID Criticized by White House**
The White House has repeatedly accused USAID of widespread waste and fraud, even though foreign aid comprises only 1% of the federal budget. The administration earlier this week placed the agency under the control of the State Department.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, USAID has provided Ukraine with $2.6 billion in humanitarian aid, $5 billion in development assistance, and more than $30 billion in direct budget support.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
