In a rapidly developing situation, USAID staff, currently furloughed, could be recalled as efforts to save the agency gather momentum. Jeremy Konyndyk, a leading expert on humanitarian policy, outlined the state of play in an insightful thread on Twitter/X early Friday morning, February 7.
Konyndyk emphasized that while things remain unsettled, hope is not lost. Despite widespread furloughs and financial strain on USAID’s partners, the agency retains its legal and policy foundations. According to U.S. law, USAID remains an independent federal agency with its budget, appropriations, and earmarks intact.
In his analysis, Konyndyk explained the tactics allegedly being deployed by high-ranking officials like Elon Marocco. These officials, he claims, aim to create the perception that the shutdown is inevitable.
The goal, he warned, is to dismantle USAID operations entirely firing staff, terminating awards, and forcing partner organizations into bankruptcy, before Congress or the courts can intervene.
However, resistance is building. The first lawsuit was filed Thursday night, requesting an injunction to halt the shutdown. Legal challenges could prove pivotal in preventing the agency’s collapse.
Meanwhile, a significant breakthrough occurred by late Friday afternoon. Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia announced that he would issue a temporary restraining order to pause the furlough of 2,200 USAID employees and suspend the withdrawal of overseas staff slated to take effect within 30 days.
This judicial move has injected cautious optimism among USAID supporters. Advocacy groups are urging citizens to contact their congressional representatives, emphasizing that public pressure could help sustain momentum. Konyndyk stressed that ongoing lawsuits, coupled with congressional action, are critical to safeguarding USAID’s future.
“Don’t give up hope,” Konyndyk urged in his Twitter/X thread. “This chaos is designed to make us feel powerless. We are not.”
For those wanting to take action, scripts for contacting Congress are available at USAIDstopwork.com. Advocacy efforts are seen as essential to keeping the agency operational.
As the legal and political battles unfold, supporters are rallying to preserve the critical humanitarian and development work USAID has undertaken globally. The reprieve granted by the court marks a crucial victory, but the fight is far from over.
