Trump Administration Puts Majority of USAID Workers on Leave Amid Staff Cuts**

Over 2,000 USAID employees are being laid off, placing the agency's workforce under significant strain. The move reflects ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to reduce federal spending and is accompanied by a broader policy shift in the U.S. approach to foreign aid.**

The Trump administration announced on Sunday that most employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be placed on administrative leave as part of a significant reduction in personnel. Nearly 2,000 staff members are slated to be laid off, following an email sent by the Office of the Administrator which was released to CBS News.

These developments come after the administration's previous attempt to significantly reduce USAID's workforce faced legal hurdles. A federal judge had blocked the initial proposals to lay off thousands of employees but allowed the administration to proceed with its reorganization plan, leading to today's announcements. The exact number of USAID employees deemed critical and exempt from layoffs remains unclear. The agency is also offering support for voluntary return travel for staff stationed overseas.

This announcement is emblematic of the Trump administration's ongoing initiatives to downsize the federal workforce and cut operational costs. Notably, billionaire advisor Elon Musk has been pushing for these changes. His recent request for federal employees to list their weekly achievements illustrates his desire to overhaul government efficiency.

During a speech at a conservative event, Trump declared that they have "effectively ended the left-wing scam known as USAID." This statement underscores the administration's disdain for the established foreign aid framework, which they argue is misaligned with the "America First" policy. Following Trump's directives, plans are underway to repurpose the USAID building for agents from Customs and Border Protection, signaling a significant shift in U.S. priorities regarding foreign aid.

As one of the largest employers in the humanitarian sector, USAID is responsible for aid distribution in over 60 countries. Experts warn that the cuts initiated by Trump could destabilize global aid efforts significantly, jeopardizing various programs designed to assist vulnerable populations. As Gayle Smith, a former USAID chief, stated, the U.S. is sending a dangerous signal that it does not prioritize global humanitarian needs.