Trump has openly called for the closure of USAID, expressing his dissatisfaction with the agency and prompting public outcry as its signage was covered at its Washington headquarters.

Union leaders have condemned the administration's buyout program as a 'scam,' warning employees of potential risks and urging caution regarding waiving their rights.

Concerns have also been raised about the politicization of federal law enforcement, with Trump expressing intentions to terminate FBI agents involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol attack.

A U.S. federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's plan to furlough 2,200 employees at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), citing concerns over the legality of the actions without congressional approval.

The funding cuts imposed by the administration have severely impacted critical programs, including a $450 million food aid initiative for 36 million people and water supplies for 1.6 million displaced individuals in Sudan.

Protests have erupted outside federal buildings, reflecting widespread fears among workers about job security and the implications of the government's restructuring efforts.

As the situation unfolds, updates are expected regarding the ongoing legal and operational challenges faced by USAID and the broader implications for federal workforce management.

U.S. District Judge George O’Toole Jr. has scheduled a hearing for February 9, 2025, and directed officials to extend the application deadline for the furloughs until after the hearing.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and employee associations, argue that the administration's actions are illegal and detrimental to USAID's operations and funding.

This legal pause comes amid broader discussions about government restructuring, with figures like Trump and Elon Musk advocating for significant cuts and changes to federal operations.

Democratic lawmakers are demanding an investigation into Elon Musk's access to government payment systems, citing privacy and national security concerns.

Critics argue that the administration's strategy aims to create chaos within federal agencies, leading to departures that could leave the government in disarray.