7th February 2025
Federal worker associations in the U.S. have taken legal action against the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees filed a lawsuit in a Washington federal court, arguing that USAID, established by Congress, cannot be unilaterally shut down by the executive branch.
USAID, responsible for billions in global aid, supports initiatives in healthcare, disaster relief, education, and nutrition. The Trump administration, with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leading the effort, has targeted USAID for major cuts, reducing its workforce from 10,000 to 300 as part of a broader effort to shrink government spending. On February 5, USAID placed all directly hired staff on administrative leave after DOGE officials forcefully accessed its headquarters and database, with overseas personnel set to be recalled within 30 days.
Democrats in Congress have condemned the move as unconstitutional. The lawsuit demands that USAID buildings be reopened, employees reinstated, and funding restored, warning that the administration’s actions could have catastrophic consequences for American workers, global aid efforts, and U.S. foreign policy.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to Guatemala, defended the administration’s position, stating that while the U.S. will continue foreign aid, USAID must align with Trump administration policies to remain operational.
