Thousands of employees at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will be placed on leave starting Friday night, the agency announced on its website.
This decision, which excludes personnel involved in “mission-critical functions, core leadership, and specially designated programs,” marks a significant development under President Donald Trump’s renewed efforts to slash government-funded initiatives since his return to office last month.
The move is expected to have a profound impact on global humanitarian programs. USAID, which provides aid to over 100 countries and employs 10,000 people worldwide—two-thirds of whom work overseas, plays a pivotal role in international development efforts, including disaster relief, public health, and conflict recovery.
In a statement, USAID assured staff that it would collaborate with the State Department to arrange and fund the return travel of personnel stationed abroad within the month. Employees not classified under the exceptions will be notified of their status by Thursday at 15:00 EDT (20:00 GMT). The agency’s announcement closed with the message: “Thank you for your service.”
An email sent to many USAID employees on Tuesday confirmed they were being placed on paid administrative leave. The email, obtained by BBC News, instructed staff to remain “available” via telephone and email during business hours but prohibited them from entering USAID buildings.
The Trump administration’s actions against USAID have drawn significant criticism, particularly from Democrats. Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey described the move as a threat to U.S. foreign policy and national security. “USAID is a foreign policy tool with bipartisan origins that is critical in this dangerous global environment,” Kim said on social media. “Gutting it means gutting our ability to compete and keep America safe.”
Earlier this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named acting head of USAID, effectively merging the agency into the State Department. This restructuring comes amid efforts led by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who was appointed to identify government spending cuts. Musk has described USAID as “beyond repair” and advocated for its closure.
Critics argue that dismantling USAID could devastate vulnerable populations worldwide. The agency’s work includes providing prosthetics to soldiers injured in Ukraine, clearing landmines, and containing Ebola outbreaks in Africa. Its annual budget, which exceeded $40 billion in fiscal year 2023, underscores the scope of its operations.
Founded in 1961, USAID has a presence in 60 countries and manages programs in dozens more. As the agency braces for sweeping changes, many warn of the far-reaching consequences for international development and U.S. influence abroad.
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