Hundreds of people, including Democratic lawmakers and nonprofit workers, gathered near the Capitol on February 5, 2025, to protest the dismantling of USAID and the freeze on aid. The feisty crowd chanted, “What’s the plan?” and “Do your job!” in response to comments from the lawmakers. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans blaming Musk and Trump for the dismantling of USAID, emphasizing its importance in saving lives. Democratic lawmakers criticized the Trump administration and emphasized the importance of soft power diplomacy.
By Friday, February 7, 2025, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to place 2,200 USAID employees on administrative leave. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols, a Trump appointee, agreed with unions that the move would expose workers and their families to unnecessary risk and hardship. The judge also reinstated 500 employees who had already been placed on leave. The temporary restraining order remains in effect until February 14th.
Read more details on the rally here and on the temporary restraining order here.
