Trump Administration Pushes Forward with USAID Layoffs Amid Legal Challenges**

Following a court ruling allowing the layoffs to proceed, the Trump administration announces that most USAID employees will be placed on leave, sparking concerns over the future of the agency and its impact on global aid.**

Most employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will be placed on administrative leave starting midnight on Sunday as the Trump administration moves forward with a significant reduction in the agency's workforce. Approximately 2,000 personnel will be laid off as part of this effort, according to an email from the Administrator's office obtained by CBS News.

This development follows a recent attempt by President Donald Trump to significantly cut the USAID workforce, which faced legal challenges. A federal judge ruled on Friday that the administration could proceed with its plans, dismissing employee pleas to halt the layoffs. The announcement indicates that only "designated personnel" who hold critical roles or leadership positions will be exempt from this action, although the exact number of critical employees remains unknown.

Judge Carl Nichols' ruling has given the Trump administration the green light to continue its controversial plans to trim the government workforce, which have been criticized by various stakeholders. This latest change comes amid ongoing efforts led by Trump and billionaire advisor Elon Musk, who both oppose the U.S.'s extensive overseas spending and view USAID as a target for reductions.

During a conservative convention in Washington D.C. over the weekend, Trump publicly criticized the aid agency, claiming, “We've also effectively ended the left-wing scam known as USAID,” and noted changes to their physical space. Moreover, Musk has previously labeled USAID as "a criminal organization," pushing for its complete shutdown, although he did not present supporting evidence for his claims.

USAID employs around 10,000 individuals, with two-thirds stationed overseas, according to the Congressional Research Service. The communications to staff indicate that the agency will fund voluntary return travel for international employees, raising concerns about the potential impact on global health and humanitarian efforts as USAID prepares to drastically reduce its workforce.