The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the workforce of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), placing nearly all employees on leave and eliminating approximately 1,600 positions in the country.
The move, which follows previous attempts to restructure the agency, is expected to have widespread implications for U.S. foreign aid operations.
In a notice sent to employees, USAID’s Office of the Administrator confirmed that, as of 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23, 2025, direct-hire personnel would be placed on administrative leave, except for those handling mission-critical functions.
However, it remains unclear how many employees have been classified as essential.
This decision comes after President Donald Trump initially sought to fire thousands of USAID workers, but legal challenges temporarily blocked the effort.
A federal judge ruled that the agency could not be entirely abolished but did not impose a permanent halt on the administration’s actions.
Furthermore, efforts to downsize USAID have been spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk.
The agency, often considered a vital instrument of U.S. soft power and foreign assistance, has faced increasing pressure under the current administration.
Meanwhile, Pete Marocco, Trump’s appointed deputy administrator, revealed that 600 U.S.-based employees would remain in place to facilitate travel for staff and their families stationed abroad.
This drastic measure has raised concerns among global development advocates and U.S. government employees, as USAID plays a crucial role in humanitarian aid and international diplomacy.
The impact of these cuts on foreign aid programs remains uncertain, but with thousands of employees facing job losses, the decision marks a challenging period for the agency and those it serves worldwide.
