In a bold decision, the Trump administration announced that nearly all employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be placed on administrative leave starting this Sunday. In total, around 2,000 positions will be eliminated in an aggressive "reduction in force." This sharp pivot follows the recent judicial ruling that allows the administration to advance its plans to downsize the agency.
Trump Administration Moves to Lay Off Thousands of USAID Employees
Trump Administration Moves to Lay Off Thousands of USAID Employees
The Trump administration's plans to streamline the federal workforce take a drastic turn as USAID faces major layoffs and administrative leave.
An email from the Office of the Administrator, shared with CBS News, outlined the expected changes and clarified that only designated personnel involved in critical functions or leadership roles will be exempt from this leave. However, it remains uncertain how many employees have been classified as critical. A federal judge ruled that the efforts to eliminate positions could proceed despite objections from employees seeking to halt the action temporarily.
This decision aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration, backed by influential figures like Elon Musk, to curtail federal expenditures, particularly on overseas aid. During a recent rally, Trump criticized USAID vehemently, declaring its operations a "left-wing scam" and noted that its former headquarters would be repurposed to accommodate Customs and Border Patrol agents.
Musk has controversially labeled the agency a "criminal organization" but has yet to present concrete evidence for his claims. USAID, which employs approximately 10,000 individuals—60% of whom are stationed abroad—now faces significant turmoil, as the agency plans to fund voluntary repatriation flights for overseas employees. Analysts warn that this freeze on USAID operations could severely impede global health initiatives, affecting numerous countries reliant on American aid since the postponement of funding will hit many vulnerable nations.
As the future of USAID hangs in the balance, its potential impact on international welfare programs and the global health landscape is significant.
This decision aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration, backed by influential figures like Elon Musk, to curtail federal expenditures, particularly on overseas aid. During a recent rally, Trump criticized USAID vehemently, declaring its operations a "left-wing scam" and noted that its former headquarters would be repurposed to accommodate Customs and Border Patrol agents.
Musk has controversially labeled the agency a "criminal organization" but has yet to present concrete evidence for his claims. USAID, which employs approximately 10,000 individuals—60% of whom are stationed abroad—now faces significant turmoil, as the agency plans to fund voluntary repatriation flights for overseas employees. Analysts warn that this freeze on USAID operations could severely impede global health initiatives, affecting numerous countries reliant on American aid since the postponement of funding will hit many vulnerable nations.
As the future of USAID hangs in the balance, its potential impact on international welfare programs and the global health landscape is significant.
