WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has authorized a significant action by the Trump administration regarding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), permitting the administration to reassign thousands of USAID employees both domestically and internationally.

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols dismissed requests to extend a temporary hold on the plan to reduce most USAID positions. This ruling initiates a 30-day period for USAID personnel stationed abroad to return to the U.S. at government expense, in alignment with the administration’s strategy.

This decision arises from a comprehensive lawsuit initiated by unions representing USAID employees, particularly those facing potential abandonment in foreign countries. The lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration has delayed crucial medical evacuations for USAID staff and their spouses overseas, interrupted emergency communication for some contractors, and left personnel vulnerable to political unrest in Congo without necessary support.

The lawsuit also questions the legality of the administration’s USAID divestment, arguing that discontinuing an agency requires the consent of Congress.

In his ruling, Nichols stated, “Currently, the agency remains operational. Thus, the alleged harm claimed by plaintiffs largely stems from their members’ current employment conditions at USAID.”

He determined that the unions’ concerns should be addressed through federal employment statutes rather than civil court proceedings.

Under the direction of President Donald Trump and the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency, connected to billionaire Elon Musk, the administration has moved quickly to wind down USAID, asserting that the agency’s initiatives conflict with Trump’s priorities and claiming without proof that its efforts are wasteful.

This case is one of several legal actions taken by organizations representing USAID employees, nonprofits, and businesses against the abrupt closure of the agency, including actions that have placed its leadership on administrative leave. Another ruling has temporarily lifted a halt on funding that paralyzed USAID’s programs and operations globally.

Nichols expressed significant concern for employees situated in unstable regions who may lack access to emergency communication. However, he was reassured by the Trump administration that these employees would continue to have access to two-way radios for constant communication in emergencies, along with a mobile application featuring a “panic button.”

He acknowledged that the administration’s assurances led him to believe that the risks for USAID employees on administrative leave stationed overseas are “far less significant than initially perceived.”

The judge also indicated satisfaction with Deputy Administrator Pete Marocco’s guarantee that staff based abroad would retain their jobs beyond the 30-day period, even if they choose to remain overseas.

Amid expectations of substantial staffing reductions within the agency, employees express apprehension about the potential for being stranded abroad, lacking employment, visas, or U.S. protection.

Concerns Among Pregnant Employees

The ongoing legal dispute regarding the government’s strategy to repatriate the majority of foreign staff has unveiled numerous challenges faced by employees. They have raised concerns that the Trump administration is delaying necessary medical evacuations for approximately 25 USAID staffers and their spouses who are nearing high-risk pregnancies, as noted in testimony from individuals familiar with the cases. Due to confidentiality, these sources spoke anonymously.

The administration asserts that it is providing necessary support as it terminates USAID programs, aiming to reel in thousands of employees and their families located overseas.

However, American women and their spouses argue that they are receiving inadequate medical care in precarious locations, fearing for their well-being.

A USAID employee, whose pregnancy is complicated by high blood pressure, stated in a legal document submitted from her unnamed assignment in Africa, “Everyone tells me to wait and see what unfolds with decisions from the Trump administration.”

This employee’s statement, along with others, was submitted anonymously, as the Trump administration has warned allegations regarding employment could result in disciplinary action against USAID personnel speaking publicly.

She further noted, “My due date does not permit me to just wait and see what happens. If I cannot be evacuated as planned, I will face a life-threatening situation.”

In another account, the spouse of a USAID worker reported that his pregnant wife was left hemorrhaging in a foreign hospital awaiting delivery. The intervention of an unnamed U.S. senator led to the government agreeing to cover the medical evacuation, but doctors indicated the approval was received too late in her pregnancy, making it unsafe for her to travel back to the U.S. even with medical support.

The State Department did not respond to inquiries regarding claims that the government is delaying or denying medical evacuation requests.