A federal judge has intervened to prevent the Trump administration from placing over 2,200 USAID employees on leave, scheduled for midnight, amidst a lawsuit filed by two foreign service unions. This lawsuit follows the administration's controversial plan to reduce the agency's workforce from approximately 14,000 to fewer than 300 as part of a government downsizing strategy. The unions argue this unprecedented move violates constitutional rights and disrupts essential humanitarian operations worldwide. Secretary of State Marco Rubio maintains ongoing foreign aid is necessary, while concerns mount over the broader implications for U.S. global influence and national security.