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The Trump administration’s sudden overhaul of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has sent shockwaves across its global workforce. Announced on February 4, 2025, the directive places all direct-hire staff on administrative leave, excluding essential personnel. The move, outlined on the agency’s website, affects over 10,000 employees, with two-thirds stationed overseas. The staff have been instructed to return to the U.S. within 30 days, with exceptions granted for mobility or safety concerns.
"On February 7, 2025, all direct hires will be placed on leave globally," the statement read, thanking employees for their service. However, the fallout from this decision has been severe. Programs spanning women's health, clean water access, HIV/AIDS treatment, and anti-corruption efforts have ground to a halt. These initiatives, critical in providing humanitarian aid to millions worldwide, are now in jeopardy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now acting head of USAID, accused the agency of being "completely unresponsive." He announced plans to absorb parts of USAID into the State Department, while other functions might face termination. Despite this, legal hurdles remain, as Congress
established USAID as an independent entity. The Congressional Research Service emphasized that dismantling the agency requires legislative
approval.
This restructuring follows President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign aid, part of his "America First" agenda. The $72 billion disbursed globally by USAID in fiscal year 2023 represented 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024. Critics argue the freeze undermines U.S. diplomacy, especially in countering China and Russia's influence in developing nations. “The abrupt halt to aid delivery has left implementing partners in financial distress,” noted Patricia Zengerle, a Washington analyst.
Further complicating the situation is billionaire Elon Musk's controversial involvement. Musk, who has labeled USAID a "criminal organization," was tasked with scaling down the agency. His claims have drawn widespread criticism for lacking substantiation and risking the credibility of U.S. humanitarian efforts.
Peter Marocco, newly appointed to oversee USAID operations, conveyed the administration's intent to reorganize during a State Department briefing. He emphasized waivers would only apply to emergency life-saving aid. However, this reassurance offers little solace to the thousands of families affected by the abrupt policy shift.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, now acting head of USAID, accused the agency of being "completely unresponsive." He announced plans to absorb parts of USAID into the State Department, while other functions might face termination. Despite this, legal hurdles remain, as Congress
established USAID as an independent entity. The Congressional Research Service emphasized that dismantling the agency requires legislative
approval.
This restructuring follows President Donald Trump’s freeze on foreign aid, part of his "America First" agenda. The $72 billion disbursed globally by USAID in fiscal year 2023 represented 42% of all humanitarian aid tracked by the United Nations in 2024. Critics argue the freeze undermines U.S. diplomacy, especially in countering China and Russia's influence in developing nations. “The abrupt halt to aid delivery has left implementing partners in financial distress,” noted Patricia Zengerle, a Washington analyst.
Further complicating the situation is billionaire Elon Musk's controversial involvement. Musk, who has labeled USAID a "criminal organization," was tasked with scaling down the agency. His claims have drawn widespread criticism for lacking substantiation and risking the credibility of U.S. humanitarian efforts.
Peter Marocco, newly appointed to oversee USAID operations, conveyed the administration's intent to reorganize during a State Department briefing. He emphasized waivers would only apply to emergency life-saving aid. However, this reassurance offers little solace to the thousands of families affected by the abrupt policy shift.
