By Sarah Baafi
In a significant legal challenge, labor unions representing U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) employees have sued the Trump administration over its plans to drastically reduce the agency’s workforce and dismantle its operations. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that President Donald Trump lacks the constitutional authority to dissolve USAID without congressional approval. This move has sparked widespread concern about the future of U.S. foreign aid programs and their impact on global humanitarian efforts.
The lawsuit targets not only President Trump but also Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, among others. It demands an immediate halt to the dismantling process and seeks a judicial order compelling the administration to restore USAID operations. AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi expressed deep concern about the turmoil caused by these actions: “The disbanding of USAID has thrown dedicated public servants—and their families—into chaos and uncertainty”.
At the heart of this controversy is a plan that would leave fewer than 300 employees at USAID from a workforce that currently numbers around 10,000 globally. This drastic reduction has already led to thousands being placed on administrative leave or facing termination. Critics argue that such actions are not only unconstitutional but also threaten U.S. national security interests by undermining global stability.
Secretary Rubio has defended these measures by stating that while foreign aid will continue, it must align with U.S. priorities: “We will continue to provide foreign aid… but they must be programs we can defend,” he emphasized during a visit abroad. However, critics see this as an attempt to bypass congressional oversight and undermine vital humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, noted: “The Trump administration’s actions regarding USAID are part of a coordinated effort to undermine congressional authority.” The lawsuit highlights severe consequences for global health initiatives due to these cuts: “These measures have triggered a global humanitarian crisis… posing threats like increased child mortality from malaria,” attorneys stated in their filing. As legal proceedings unfold, international observers await developments with bated breath amidst growing concerns over America’s role in global development efforts.
SOURCE: ABC NEWS
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