The Trump administration has terminated 2,000 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and placed nearly all remaining staff on administrative leave.
This move follows a federal judge’s recent decision permitting the administration to proceed with its workforce reduction plans.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has been instrumental in directing these changes, aiming to streamline federal operations and reduce expenditures.
USAID, responsible for managing global humanitarian and development programs, will see its workforce reduced from over 10,000 employees to fewer than 300.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now serving as the acting USAID administrator, has indicated that the agency’s essential functions will be integrated into the State Department.
This transition has raised concerns among international aid organizations and former officials about the future of U.S. foreign aid initiatives.
The restructuring has faced legal challenges from unions and advocacy groups, citing potential risks to employees stationed abroad and questioning the administration’s authority to implement such sweeping changes without congressional approval.
Despite these challenges, the administration is moving forward with its plans, emphasizing a commitment to reducing what it perceives as inefficiencies within federal agencies.
As the situation develops, the global community and stakeholders within the U.S. await further details on how these changes will impact ongoing international aid projects and the broader mission of USAID.
