Judge declines to block USAID from firing contractors

By Rabia Iclal Turan

WASHINGTON (AA) - A federal judge on Thursday declined to block the mass firings of US Agency for International Development (USAID) contractors, allowing the Trump administration's efforts to proceed to dismantle the agency, according to a report.

US District Judge Carl Nichols ruled that the contractors failed to demonstrate irreparable harm and a likelihood of success on the merits, rejecting their request for a temporary restraining order to reinstate fired employees, according to the Hill website.

Nichols said any harm faced by the contractors was linked to changes in their contracts and suggested they pursue relief through other means, it added.

The Personal Services Contractor Association, an advocacy group for US personal services contractors, sued the Trump administration last month to protect contractors from efforts to dismantle the agency.

USAID is responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.