The Trump administration is taking steps to place almost all of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Washington-based staff on leave, as confirmed by a USAID official and a reliable source.
This decision has significant repercussions as it impacts thousands of individuals and represents a major setback for the agency, which plays a crucial role in delivering humanitarian assistance. Notably, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, an ally of President Trump leading an initiative to streamline the government, has singled out USAID for attention.
Key Staffing Changes
According to a knowledgeable source, approximately 1,400 employees will receive notifications today, in addition to the 600 already placed on leave since Sunday evening. This action encompasses the majority of the agency's Washington-based workforce, including civil and Foreign Service officers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's team has endorsed this move, as per the same source who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.
Meanwhile, a senior USAID official, speaking on condition of anonymity out of concern for potential repercussions, disclosed that the agency's human resources department has deactivated system access for over 1,400 staff members. This suggests a larger-scale implementation of leave than previously disclosed.
Broader Impact
In addition to the internal reshuffling, numerous USAID contractors have recently been laid off or placed on furlough. These actions are partly attributed to the ongoing foreign aid freeze imposed by President Trump and his administration, which is also considering merging USAID into the State Department.
Requests for comments from the State Department and USAID remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
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