A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's plan to furlough 2,200 USAID employees and imposed a 30-day deadline for overseas workers to return to the U.S. Judge Carl Nichols deemed these actions potentially harmful and costly for the affected employees and their families.

This development unfolds amidst President Trump and Elon Musk's efforts to dismantle the agency. The administration's actions have sparked protests and concern among lawmakers.

Demonstrators and lawmakers rally on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., protesting President Trump and Elon Musk's disruption of the federal government, including the dismantling of USAID. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Judge Nichols highlighted the disruption caused to overseas staff, including being cut off from crucial communication systems needed for emergencies. Reports indicate that some USAID contractors, even in volatile regions like the Middle East, found their emergency communication apps disabled or removed.

The judge emphasized the disparity between administrative leave in a safe location like Bethesda, Maryland, and being on leave in a dangerous area like Syria. He also acknowledged the difficulties faced by workers with the 30-day return deadline, citing issues such as lack of U.S. residences after extended overseas assignments and the disruption of children's schooling.

A USAID employee protests outside the agency's headquarters in Washington, D.C. (Getty Images)

While ordering the reinstatement of 500 USAID staff already on leave, the judge declined a request to halt the administration's funding freeze pending further hearings. This freeze effectively shuts down the agency's operations.

The American flag flies solo where the USAID flag once flew, reflecting the agency's uncertain future. (AP)

Judge Nichols clarified that his order to pause certain administration actions wasn't a final ruling on the employees' lawsuit seeking to block the agency's dismantling. President Trump, however, voiced his continued desire to shut down USAID on social media.