US President Donald Trump’s administration has taken a controversial step and fired nearly 2,000 employees of USAID (United States Agency for International Development) and sent thousands of other employees on leave. This step was taken when a US federal judge on Friday allowed the Trump administration to remove USAID employees from work. After this decision, the Trump administration has sacked hundreds of employees while implementing its plan.
Tough step of Trump administration
According to the AP report, after this decision of the Trump administration, now a notification has been sent to the employees of USAID, stating that all direct employees working in USAID are being sent on administrative leave from 11:59 pm on February 23. However, those employees have been left out who are associated with mission-based essential tasks, critical leadership or specially nominated programs.
This move has raised questions on the policies of the Trump administration, because through this the US government has not only planned to stop developmental aid programs but has also fired thousands of employees.
USAID cuts key functions
USAID, which runs development aid and humanitarian programs overseas, had already closed its Washington headquarters and halted thousands of global development programs. Trump and his ally, world’s leading businessman Elon Musk, believe that foreign aid and development work increase unnecessary expenses and promote liberal agenda.
At the same time, the Trump administration’s move comes at a time when many countries around the world need US assistance, especially during the pandemic and other crises. But the Trump administration has presented it as a move to reduce its expenses and focus on domestic policies.
Court intervention
However, before the move was fully implemented, a judge gave an important decision against the Trump administration. US District Judge Carl Nichols on Friday delivered an important ruling, rejecting the petition of employees seeking to stop the administration’s plan. The judge said that the Trump administration is being allowed to remove USAID employees, but despite this, the move may generate further controversy.
Simultaneously, in another case, which was related to the Trump administration’s other move to shut down USAID, a judge temporarily stopped the administration from stopping foreign aid. The court criticized the Trump administration, saying that the government was ordered to restart foreign aid programs, but despite this, the administration continued to stop the aid in violation of the court order.
Opposition to Trump administration policies
This decision clearly reflects the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy and developmental aid. Trump and his allies believe that foreign aid is not in the interest of America and it should be stopped to focus more on domestic schemes. According to them, this measure will save American taxpayers’ money and reduce unnecessary spending abroad.
On the contrary, opponents believe that such a decision can weaken America’s international position and cause difficulties to countries that need assistance in global crises. Many also believe that such decisions can weaken America’s human rights and global leadership role.
Social reaction against the Trump administration
This move of the Trump administration has been criticised from many areas within the US. Human rights groups and development organisations have reacted sharply to USAID’s layoff of employees and the suspension of foreign aid programmes. These organisations say that the US should continue these programmes to fulfil its international responsibilities and support developing countries.
At the same time, Republicans and Trump supporters say that this step is important towards improving the economic condition of the US. According to them, by stopping foreign aid, the money of American taxpayers will be used better and more attention will be focused on the internal plans of the country.
Role of US aid abroad
USAID’s programs have had a significant impact globally. This agency has been making significant contributions to education, health, food security, democracy, human rights, climate change and other developmental work around the world. This global vision of America has been a major source of assistance for many countries.
Now, by ending these programs by the Trump administration, those countries that depend on the aid received from America may face a tough challenge. At the same time, this move at the international level can raise questions about America’s reputation and responsibility.
The Trump administration’s move to lay off USAID employees and close development programs abroad is not only creating controversy at the global level, but it has also become a major issue in American politics. The administration argues that this step is necessary to control America’s domestic expenses and focus on internal policy, but on the contrary, this decision can have a negative impact on global humanitarian aid and international relations.
However, the courts continue to interfere in this matter and there may be more legal disputes over these decisions of the Trump administration in the future.
