Senate Democrats are plotting to retaliate against the Trump administration after attempts to restructure or possibly close the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides foreign aid and supports democracy around the globe.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told Axios on Tuesday that he's willing to place holds on Trump nominees on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Blumenthal said the caucus is proceeding as if there is a blanket hold on Trump nominations.

The developments come after thousands of USAID employees already have been laid off and programs shut down in the two weeks since Trump became president.