Lawsuit targets Trump administration over USAID layoffs
The American Federation of Government Employees has sued the Trump administration over mass layoffs at USAID. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Washington.
The American Federation of Government Employees has filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump's administration in federal court in Washington due to mass layoffs at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The American Foreign Service Association has joined the lawsuit.
Humanitarian crisis and allegations of illegality
The lawsuit accuses the Trump administration of "unconstitutional and illegal actions" allegedly aimed at causing a global humanitarian crisis. The charges include halting American foreign aid programs and mass layoffs of USAID employees.
Actions against USAID were reportedly taken without congressional approval, which would contravene federal law. The White House and the State Department have not yet responded to the lawsuit. According to Reuters sources, only about 300 of the over 10,000 USAID employees can expect to keep their jobs.
Elon Musk, who leads the new Department of Government Efficiency, is leading the plans to cut staff. Musk accuses the agency of a "gigantic waste of American taxpayers' money." Last Tuesday, the administration recalled nearly all USAID staff to the country, giving them 30 days to return unless deemed "essential personnel."
The layoffs will also include external contractors. These decisions have sparked a wave of criticism and concern about the future of American international aid programs. The situation is dynamic and could have far-reaching consequences for U.S. foreign policy.
