Trump faces legal battle over USAID layoffs and aid cuts
The American Federation of Government Employees has initiated legal proceedings against the Trump administration over extensive layoffs at USAID. The lawsuit has been submitted to a federal court in Washington.
In tandem, the American Foreign Service Association has joined the lawsuit against Donald Trump's administration, citing the same issue of widespread redundancies at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Humanitarian crisis and allegations of illegality
The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of engaging in "unconstitutional and illegal actions" purportedly designed to provoke a global humanitarian crisis. The charges encompass the suspension of American foreign aid programmes and mass terminations of USAID staff.
The actions taken against USAID are said to have been implemented without congressional approval, a violation of federal law. Neither the White House nor the State Department has responded to the lawsuit. Reports from Reuters suggest that only roughly 300 out of over 10,000 USAID employees are likely to retain their positions.
Elon Musk, who heads the newly established Department of Government Efficiency, leads the initiatives to reduce staffing. Musk has criticised the agency for what he describes as a "gigantic waste of American taxpayers' money." Last Tuesday, the administration ordered most USAID personnel to return to the United States, allowing them 30 days to return unless they are classified as "essential personnel."
The reductions will also extend to external contractors. These decisions have triggered widespread criticism and apprehension regarding the future of American international aid programmes. The situation remains fluid and could significantly impact U.S. foreign policy.
