Thousands of USAID employees will be placed on leave, sparking concerns about the impact on global humanitarian efforts.
USAID Employees to Face Leave Amid Funding Cuts by Trump Administration
USAID Employees to Face Leave Amid Funding Cuts by Trump Administration
The United States Agency for International Development announces a significant reduction in personnel as part of ongoing government funding cuts.
Starting Friday evening, thousands of staff members at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be placed on leave, following an announcement on the agency's official website. This decision affects "direct-hire personnel" while exempting those involved in "mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs." This development marks a continuation of the funding cuts initiated by President Donald Trump after his return to office last month, raising alarms about the potential consequences on international humanitarian operations.
USAID, which delivers aid to over 100 nations and employs around 10,000 personnel globally, has stated it will coordinate with the State Department to manage and fund the return travel for staff working overseas. Exceptions to the leave will be communicated to affected employees by 15:00 EDT on Thursday. The agency extended gratitude to employees for their service despite the pending leave.
Reports indicate that many USAID employees received an email informing them of their placement on paid administrative leave, instructing them to remain available by phone and email, while barring them from accessing USAID buildings. Recent attempts by the Trump administration have focused on cutting government program funding, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed leadership at USAID, effectively merging operations with another agency.
Musk, who has been vocal about government spending, has called for the closure of USAID, branding it "beyond repair." Critics, particularly from the Democratic Party, argue that dissolving such an agency will severely impact aid to vulnerable populations globally, including programs that provide assistance to injured soldiers and health initiatives in Africa. Senator Andy Kim underscored the significance of USAID as a vital tool for foreign policy during critical global scenarios, stating that undermining the agency jeopardizes national safety and competitiveness in foreign affairs. Established in 1961, USAID operates in over 60 countries and disbursed over $40 billion in aid for fiscal year 2023 alone, according to Congressional Research Service data.
USAID, which delivers aid to over 100 nations and employs around 10,000 personnel globally, has stated it will coordinate with the State Department to manage and fund the return travel for staff working overseas. Exceptions to the leave will be communicated to affected employees by 15:00 EDT on Thursday. The agency extended gratitude to employees for their service despite the pending leave.
Reports indicate that many USAID employees received an email informing them of their placement on paid administrative leave, instructing them to remain available by phone and email, while barring them from accessing USAID buildings. Recent attempts by the Trump administration have focused on cutting government program funding, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assumed leadership at USAID, effectively merging operations with another agency.
Musk, who has been vocal about government spending, has called for the closure of USAID, branding it "beyond repair." Critics, particularly from the Democratic Party, argue that dissolving such an agency will severely impact aid to vulnerable populations globally, including programs that provide assistance to injured soldiers and health initiatives in Africa. Senator Andy Kim underscored the significance of USAID as a vital tool for foreign policy during critical global scenarios, stating that undermining the agency jeopardizes national safety and competitiveness in foreign affairs. Established in 1961, USAID operates in over 60 countries and disbursed over $40 billion in aid for fiscal year 2023 alone, according to Congressional Research Service data.
