Unions representing federal workers filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block the sudden closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cut USAID’s workforce from over 10,000 to fewer than 300 and placed thousands of employees on administrative leave. This move disrupted foreign aid programs and sparked concerns about U.S. national security.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed the lawsuit Thursday, naming President Trump, USAID, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The unions seek an injunction to stop further actions and demand the full restoration of USAID’s operations, systems, and funding.
The plaintiffs argued the shutdown created a global humanitarian crisis by halting critical foreign assistance programs and jeopardizing U.S. diplomatic efforts. The suit demands that an independent acting director be appointed to oversee USAID and that furloughed employees return to work immediately. It also calls for the reopening of USAID offices and the resumption of all grants and contracts.
“These actions have imperiled U.S. national security interests and cost thousands of American jobs,” the lawsuit claims, urging the court to intervene to prevent further harm. The unions claim the closure has left foreign assistance efforts in disarray and damaged relationships with international partners.
Democratic lawmakers expressed alarm, warning that the shutdown could cripple U.S. diplomatic capabilities and undermine global stability. Critics argue that dismantling USAID would leave a void in global development initiatives and weaken America’s influence abroad.
The White House, USAID, and the Treasury Department have not issued official responses to the lawsuit. The unions remain hopeful the courts will act quickly to prevent lasting damage to U.S. foreign aid operations.
