Two unions representing employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The lawsuit alleges an unconstitutional attempt to dismantle the more than 60-year-old humanitarian agency, originally established by Congress.
According to CNN, fewer than 300 USAID employees are expected to retain their jobs, while the vast majority face indefinite furloughs or layoffs. The administration’s decision to freeze nearly all foreign aid has halted crucial humanitarian operations worldwide, leading to job losses and the suspension of numerous aid programs.
The lawsuit, filed in a federal court in Washington, D.C., by Democracy Forward and Public Citizen Litigation Group on behalf of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), argues that Trump’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution and federal law.
Unconstitutional Actions
The BBC reports that the lawsuit claims Trump overstepped his authority by attempting to dismantle a congressional agency without legislative approval.
“No single action taken by the defendants to dissolve USAID has received Congressional authorization,” the lawsuit states. “Under federal law, only Congress has the legal authority to dismantle the agency.”
The plaintiffs request the court to appoint an independent acting USAID director, reopen agency offices, restore online access to USAID resources, reinstate suspended grants and contracts, and reverse mandatory evacuations of overseas personnel.
The lawsuit also urges an immediate halt to USAID’s shutdown, alleging that billionaire Elon Musk is influencing the administration’s efforts to dismantle the agency.
Humanitarian and Economic Fallout
The abrupt policy shift has triggered a global humanitarian crisis, as critical aid operations have been disrupted. The lawsuit highlights that the move has cost thousands of American jobs and jeopardized national security interests.
CNN notes that, in addition to Trump, the lawsuit targets Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and their respective agencies.
Legal experts argue that Trump’s recent statements—asserting that he does not require Congressional approval to dissolve USAID—are legally unfounded. The lawsuit emphasizes that such actions violate the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
“This overreach exceeds presidential authority and usurps legislative powers granted exclusively to Congress,” the lawsuit concludes.
Despite mounting legal challenges, Trump has defended his decision, insisting that executive authority allows him to reshape federal agencies at will. However, legal scholars and opposition groups maintain that unilaterally disbanding USAID is beyond presidential powers and threatens international humanitarian efforts.
