Democrats and unions are pushing back to block the shutdown of the aid agency that fights famine and disease and promotes democracy in scores of nations worldwide.

The judge temporarily barred USAID from putting 2,200 workers on paid leave after employee groups filed a lawsuit challenging the administration’s authority to shut down the agency.

The Trump administration has said USAID is wasting money and needs to align with its policy priorities. Some of the agency's functions could be carried out by the State Department. On Monday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused USAID's leadership of "insubordination" and said he was now the agency's acting head.