Unions representing employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump and his administration over significant changes to the global aid agency.
USAID supports critical humanitarian missions in more than 100 countries, and thousands of its workers now face potential job losses as the administration implements substantial budget cuts.
The lawsuit, filed on Thursday by Public Citizen Litigation Group and Democracy Forward on behalf of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), alleges that the administration’s actions are unconstitutional and lacked congressional approval.
The origins of USAID trace back to President John F. Kennedy’s efforts to counter Soviet influence in developing nations during the Cold War.
Today, the agency oversees the majority of the US’s $70 billion foreign aid budget, focusing on fostering goodwill and addressing humanitarian crises to mitigate national security risks.
Humanitarian and security crisis
The unions argue that the Trump administration’s moves to downsize USAID have created a “humanitarian crisis” and jeopardized national security, as well as the livelihoods of thousands of employees.
The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt further changes and reverse recent actions as the legal process unfolds.
Randy Chester, vice president of AFSA, emphasized the broader consequences, stating, “This reckless decision is sowing chaos and fear” while placing USAID staff and ongoing projects at risk.
Chester also highlighted the financial burden of repatriating displaced USAID workers, estimating the cost to taxpayers at $20 million.
The dismantling of USAID has reportedly disrupted life-saving programs worldwide, including malaria prevention efforts, clinical pharmaceutical trials, and HIV prevention initiatives.
The lawsuit underscores the gravity of the situation, citing its impact on vulnerable populations.
“Deaths are inevitable,” the complaint states. “Already, 300 babies that would not have had HIV, now do.
Thousands of girls and women will die from pregnancy and childbirth. Without judicial intervention, it will only get worse.”
Elon Musk’s DOGE plans
Elon Musk, who has reportedly advised the administration, has made controversial remarks about USAID, calling it a “criminal organisation” and a “radical-left political psy op.”
He has also suggested the agency should be dismantled entirely.
During an X Spaces conversation earlier this week, Elon Musk stated, “With regards to the USAID stuff, I went over it with (the president) in detail, and he agreed that we should shut it down.”
On Sunday evening, when asked about USAID, President Donald Trump told reporters, “It’s been run by a bunch of radical lunatics, and we’re getting them out, and then we’ll make a decision” regarding its future.
The administration reportedly plans to retain only 294 of USAID’s more than 10,000 employees.
Most of the workforce has been placed on “administrative leave,” leaving only a small group to manage essential operations.
Trump faces legal challenges
The lawsuit is one of many challenges facing the Trump administration.
In recent weeks, federal judges have blocked several of Trump’s executive orders, including one targeting birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
A US judge on Thursday issued a temporary block on the Trump administration’s proposed buyout for federal workers, delaying the plan until at least Monday.
Other rulings have stalled funding freezes and struck down measures affecting transgender individuals in federal prisons.
The unions’ legal challenge highlights the stakes of the USAID cuts, emphasizing the potential long-term consequences for global aid programs and U.S. leadership in humanitarian efforts.
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