U.S. President’s Plan to Downsize USAID Sparks Lawsuit
The U.S. president intends to retain fewer than 300 employees out of over 10,000 at the independent agency known as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Sources close to the matter have revealed this information to Reuters.
Union and Foreign Service Workers Sue Trump Administration
The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest U.S. government workers’ union, alongside the American Foreign Service Association, has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Donald Trump. The lawsuit aims to prevent the dismantling of USAID, Washington’s primary funding vehicle for political projects overseas.
Trump’s Allegations and Impact on Global Humanitarian Efforts
Trump previously labeled USAID “a criminal organization” run by “radical lunatics,” accusing it of financing bioweapons research and using funds to influence media coverage in favor of the Democratic Party. His recent executive order suspending U.S. foreign aid for 90 days and halting USAID projects worldwide has allegedly resulted in a global humanitarian crisis.
Lawsuit: Trump’s Actions Unconstitutional
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that Trump’s actions are “unconstitutional and illegal.” It claims that the president lacks the authority to dissolve USAID as it was established under a 1968 law passed by Congress. The plaintiffs assert that only Congress has the power to dismantle the agency.
Court Action Sought to Restore USAID Funding
Those behind the lawsuit seek a temporary and permanent court order to restore funding for USAID, reopen its offices, and block any further orders by the Trump administration to dissolve it. The plaintiffs allege that not a single one of the defendants’ actions to dismantle USAID was taken pursuant to congressional authorization.
Protests Erupt Over USAID Plans
Hundreds of former and current USAID employees gathered in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to protest Trump’s plans regarding the agency. They carried banners with messages such as “USAID saves lives,” “Stop the coup,” and “Save our d.”