JUST IN: Trump Scores ‘Hugely Significant’ Legal Victory Approving Key Administration Priority

President Donald Trump scored another huge legal victory after a judge tossed out a lawsuit brought against his administration that challenged his “dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).”

Conservative pundits and commentators are saying this is a significant development, as it may lead to the dismissal of other cases against the administration that make similar claims. Once it’s appealed, the circuit court’s precedent will then bind other district courts in our nation’s capital.

The lawsuit in question was first filed on Feb. 6, 2025, by the American Foreign Service Association and the American Federation of Government Employees. The purpose of the suit was to block President Trump from putting thousands of individuals who worked for USAID on administrative leave before eventually firing them.

Both groups, which filed the lawsuit jointly, claimed that the administration’s actions were in violation of federal employment protections and posed safety risks to those who worked abroad.

When it was first filed, Judge Carl J. Nichols, who was appointed to the bench by President Trump, issued a temporary restraining order halting the planned removal of over 2,200 government workers. The reason? Safety concerns overseas.

Judge Nichols then approved a short extension on February 13. However, by February 21, the block was lifted, which allowed the administration to continue with its plans for staff reduction. The judge then explained that the court could only offer rulings on employment-related complaints, and not the broader constitutional questions concerning the structural dismantling of the agency.

After all the restraining orders were lifted, the Trump administration proceeded, placing 2,000 USAID staff members on leave, retaining only roughly 600 who were deemed essential. Workers overseas were given the option to return home within 30 days, with the government picking up the tab.

The dismissal of the case means that Trump and his administration can proceed full steam ahead with their plans to reduce the number of USAID staff members. However, the broader litigation concerning the constitutional claims and funding is still in play.

As for the agency itself, its existence is currently tied up in ongoing litigation. This includes whether executive reorganization is legally permitted to dissolve an agency created by Congress. Also at play is whether or not employees impacted by the dissolution will be able to secure some form of permanent relief.